Safee says clubs must play a more active role in nurturing homegrown talent
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football great Safee Sali is hopeful that the upcoming Super League season will serve as a springboard for emerging local talent - players who could one day lead Harimau Malaya on the international stage.
Concerns have been raised recently over the lack of youth involvement in top flight football, with just 11 per cent of first-team starters aged between 20 and 24.
This trend has stirred anxiety, particularly within national team circles, as preparations for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers intensify ahead of the next phase in 2027.
Safee believes clubs must play a more active role in nurturing homegrown talent under national coach Peter Cklamovski's long-term vision.
"The influx of foreign players has lifted the league's quality but local youngsters need minutes," he said.
"We want to see new faces breaking through, gaining experience, making their mark."
As someone who once carried Malaysia's attacking hopes, Safee knows the value of trust and game time.
Now 41, the former striker is calling on clubs to look beyond short term gains and toward building a sustainable future for Malaysian football.
"We have to think bigger - how the league can feed into the national team. That's the ultimate goal."
Ahead of the new campaign, Safee pointed to several developments that have piqued his interest.
Among them is the return of Brunei's club to the competition, strengthened by the arrival of striker Syafiq Ahmad.
"It's refreshing to see Brunei back. With Syafiq joining them, it adds flavour to the competition and raises the bar," he added.
He is also keen to watch the resurgence of clubs like Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and perennial powerhouse Johor Darul Ta'zim - all of whom will be looking to assert their dominance in the revamped top flight.
All eyes will be on the curtain raiser - the Charity Shield clash between JDT and Selangor at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
For Safee, it's more than just an opener - it is a benchmark for the league's competitive edge.
"These early matches show where our football stands - in terms of intensity, quality, and ambition. It sets the tone for what's to come."
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