Big lift for our boys
New reinforcements: (from left) Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca posing for a picture during a training session. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Just two day after a sobering 0-3 defeat to Cape Verde, the national football team have injected a fresh wave of optimism with the inclusion of four new faces ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Following the arrival of 25-year-old Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces on Tuesday, Harimau Malaya have officially welcomed four more mixed-heritage players – dubbed 'Malaysians Abroad' – into the fold. They are winger Imanol Machuca, centreback Jon Irazabal, and forwards Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo.
While details of their Malaysian lineage have not been publicly disclosed, reports from South America suggest that Machuca, Garces and Holgado trace their roots to Malaysian grandparents.
Argentinian-born Machuca, 25, currently on loan at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield from Brazil's Fortaleza, is a dynamic flanker known for his quick feet and vision.
Standing at 1.70m, he's effective on either wing and poses a creative threat in the final third.
'Since arriving at the national training camp, Malaysia have given me the best,' said Machuca.
'I can feel it's something truly special to represent Harimau Malaya. It's an honour, and I will give it my all.'
Equally enthusiastic is Argentinian-born Holgado, 29, who plies his trade as a striker for Colombian side America de Cali.
The clinical frontman has already bagged seven goals and two assists in 15 league outings this season.
'Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country,' said Holgado.
'Now I'm beginning to understand what it means to play for Malaysia – and I'm ready to give everything.'
Figueiredo, a 29-year-old Brazilian-born forward who last featured for Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir, brings a wealth of experience.
He netted 12 goals in 48 appearances across competitions and is capable of operating across the entire frontline.
'Personally, this season means a lot to me,' said Figueiredo.
'And now, to represent Malaysia and share this dream – to go further on the Asian and world stage – is truly an honour. I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans.'
Defensive solidity has also been boosted by the addition of Spanish-born Jon Irazabal. The 28-year-old centreback recently helped Azerbaijan's Sabah FK clinch the national cup title.
'I chose Malaysia because I believe this is where my national responsibility truly lies,' said Irazabal.
'I've already started to feel how unique and meaningful it is to play for Malaysia.'
These reinforcements are seen as vital by head coach Peter Cklamovski, who is reshaping the national team's identity with a blend of domestic stalwarts and foreign-born talents eligible through heritage.
Beyond the new additions, Cklamovski has already utilised the services of Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel and Spanish-born wingback Gabriel Palmero – part of the expanding pool of Malaysians abroad.
As anticipation builds for the Vietnam clash, the inclusion of these five foreign-born players – all tested professionals in competitive leagues – has not only added depth but ignited hope that Harimau Malaya can bounce back strongly and stake their claim for a spot in the Asian Cup.
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