More heritage players essential for Harimau Malaya's strength
Harimau Malaya players in action against Vietnam on June 10. Photo: Malaysia NT
SHAH ALAM - National football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail sees no issue with Harimau Malaya continuing to recruit heritage players to strengthen the national squad, especially in their mission to go further on the international stage.
He believes the presence of more heritage players will not only boost team performance but also significantly enhance Malaysia's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and even the bigger dream of reaching the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
He pointed to Malaysia's recent 4-0 win against Vietnam, powered by newly recruited quality heritage players, as proof that the team is on the right track.
The inclusion of even more such players, he said, will ensure Malaysia remains competitive.
'I don't see any problem with having more heritage players. This is for the good of Malaysian football. We're not just aiming to compete in Asia. Our real dream is to play in the World Cup.
'For the 2027 Asian Cup, our chances look promising and now we must also focus our efforts on the 2030 World Cup, five years from now.
"We need to be realistic and start now with the best heritage players so we can compete against teams like the Arab nations, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
"If we can match their level, the path to the World Cup will be easier. Besides, these heritage players have Malaysian blood. So, there's nothing wrong with relying on their abilities," he told Sinar.
The current national squad has been strengthened with new heritage players such as Gabriel Palmero, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca and Facundo Garces.
Their immediate positive impact was felt as Malaysia broke an 11-year winless streak against Vietnam, dominating with a 4-0 victory in the Group F clash of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at Bukit Jalil National Stadium recently.
There's ongoing speculation that several more 'Grade A' heritage players may soon don the national jersey, adding even more value to the squad.
However, no official confirmation has been given by the Harimau Malaya management or the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
While Jamal acknowledged the importance of local players in the national team, he admitted that they are currently not at a level that allows them to compete on the world stage.
He stated that for now, hope lies in the heritage players, but that shouldn't stop efforts to develop high-quality local talent.
'That's why in the next five years, we must produce more talented young local players who can compete. They will surely be motivated to match the quality of the heritage players. It'll motivate and drive them to break into the national squad,' he said.
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