
Hitman Holgado expected to join Harimau Malaya soon
KUALA LUMPUR: Colombia-based striker Rodrigo Holgado is expected to join the national team training camp ahead of the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
Colombian sports journalist Pipe Sierra revealed that Holgado has received a call-up to the Harimau Malaya squad, with the player's documentation process currently underway.
Sierra also stated that Holgado's club, America de Cali, have been informed of the call-up.
"The Malaysian national team has Rodrigo Holgado among its players. Information regarding his passport is not yet finalised, but they are resolving the matter from Asia," he said on X.
"America de Cali have been informed and are awaiting further details. (Holgado) will have a long journey if everything is confirmed."
The 29-year-old, who plays for America de Cali in the Categoria Primera A — the top-tier league in Colombian football — has scored 17 goals in 44 appearances since joining the club last year.
This season, the Argentina-born Holgado has already notched seven goals and provided two assists in all competitions, helping the 15-time Colombian league champions to the top of the standings.
Holgado's potential inclusion is eagerly awaited by Harimau Malaya fans, as his presence is expected to add bite to the team's attack.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
Should all matters be finalised, the Argentine-Malaysian striker will bolster the frontline alongside Fergus Tierney, Paulo Josue and Romel Morales.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Sun
South Korea to 2026 after sealing World Cup spot
Coach Hong Myung-bo immediately turned his thoughts to next year's World Cup in North America after South Korea secured qualification following a turbulent campaign. Hong's side belatedly saw off 10-man Iraq 2-0 in front of a noisy Basra crowd on Thursday to seal an 11th straight World Cup appearance. Substitutes Oh Hyeon-gyu and Kim Jin-kyu scored in the second half to send South Korea through with a game to spare. 'Now that today's match is over and our qualification is confirmed, we will focus everything on the World Cup from this point forward,' Hong told reporters. 'There are many things to consider but I believe we need to prepare step by step, steadily, for the World Cup finals.' South Korea top Group B from Jordan with five wins and four draws but it has not been an easy qualifying campaign. They remain heavily reliant on skipper and Spurs attacker Son Heung-min, 32, who was not involved against Iraq. He lifted the Europa League trophy with the Spurs but had a mixed season by his high standards and struggled for form and fitness. South Korea were held by Palestine and drew home to Oman and Jordan in their three previous games, as they laboured to finish the line. Decorated former international Hong, 56, was booed by fans following his appointment nearly a year ago. That came after South Korean football bosses scrambled around trying to find a permanent successor to the sacked and unpopular Jurgen Klinsmann. Hong said that the sending-off of Iraq's English-based forward Ali Al-Hamadi on 26 minutes changed the game. 'I expected this to be a difficult match and even as it began, I judged that it wouldn't be easy,' he said. 'But once the opposing team had a player sent off we were able to take control of the game. 'Ultimately, we capitalised on the man advantage, created scoring opportunities and secured the win. 'I want to congratulate my players and say I'm very pleased.' South Korea host Kuwait on Tuesday in their last qualifier. The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico takes place in June-July next year. – AFP


The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."


Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Endrick Dos Santos draws on Vietnam experience to help Harimau Malaya break nine-year winless streak
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Harimau Malaya midfielder Endrick Dos Santos is determined to draw on the experience and insights he gained during his time in Vietnam to help the national team secure a positive result against the Golden Star Warriors in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers this Tuesday. Endrick, who is currently on loan with Ho Chi Minh City in the 1 for the 2024-2025 season, said he was working closely with the coaching staff to offer ideas and tactical input that could help Malaysia claim a long-awaited victory over Vietnam — a feat they have not achieved since 2014. 'Many times we come prepared. We also have our analysts who study their game. They are fast, strong, and aggressive, but they also have weaknesses, so we train hard, follow the coach's plan, and I believe we are in a good position to perform well again,' he said at a press conference today. ' The last time Malaysia defeated the Golden Star Warriors was in 2014. Since then, Malaysia has suffered seven defeats and managed just one draw in their eight encounters across all competitions. In their most recent meeting, Vietnam secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the group stage of the 2022 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Cup, now known as the ASEAN Championship. When asked about the competition for midfield positions in the Harimau Malaya squad, Endrick admitted that securing a starting spot was no easy task. 'It's tough, but that's a good thing for the team. It shows how strong and competitive our midfield options are right now,' he added. — Bernama