Hector Hevel keeps Harimau Malaya in the hunt
KUALA LUMPUR: A Dutch-born player has been entrusted with running the Harimau Malaya engine room. And Hector Hevel has been doing a good job of it too.
The heritage footballer played in two Asian Cup qualifiers and Malaysia scored six goals and conceded none.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who scored in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in March, was also part of the team that thrashed Vietnam 4-0 yesterday. His contribution to the match was immense, serving as the vital link between the Harimau defence and attack.
"We analysed their game and we were aware it wouldn't be easy to defeat them but we tried, and eventually, it paid off. They were indeed a good team, but we won.
"Obviously when we start the game, we don't know how many goals we will score, but we knew we had quality in front, and we utilised it to the fullest," said Hevel, who will be leaving Portuguese club Portimonense SC to join Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Though his side are perched on top of Group F and poised to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, Hevel said their quest has only just begun.
Hevel said the remaining four group matches will be challenging and they cannot afford to be complacent.
"We made a good step (beating Vietnam) but it is not over yet. We have four more games to play, they are four important matches. So we need to step up and win them as well.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
'Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves'
KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Rezal Zambery Yahya said that the growing competition for places in the national team is a healthy sign for Malaysian football. The ex-Kelantan coach sees the increase in foreign player quota for the 2025-2026 Super League season, and the addition of five naturalised players to Harimau Malaya as developments that will only intensify the challenge for local players positively. Rather than seeing this as a threat, Rezal urged local players to treat it as motivation to improve themselves. "This is the trend in modern football. If players want to keep competing, they must have strong character, a good attitude, a positive mindset, and most importantly, be willing to work harder and train consistently," he said. "If this happens, not only will individual development improve, but it will benefit the team and the country as well. The positive impact will be felt immediately." He added that it's essential for players to adapt to the modern game, which now demands more than just natural talent. "Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves," he said.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
It's not only about goal but grit as M'sia hail Holgado's heroics
Malaysia's Holgado (C) scores a goal during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier Group F football match between Malaysia and Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on June 10, 2025. - AFP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. "A dream night," he said on his social media page yesterday. "Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfill this dream in my soccer career." The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. "I want to thank everyone who was part of it my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute," he said. "To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. "I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title." From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.
New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- New Straits Times
FAM grateful to Tunku Ismail for revolutionising the national team
Previous Next KUALA LUMPUR: The national football team revolution, engineered by the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has taken off like a rocket. It has propelled Malaysia to the top of Group F and virtually into the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. This has led to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) expressing its gratitude to Tunku Ismail for his efforts and vision in revolutionising the national team. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said Tunku Ismail's influence is already bearing fruit, with Malaysia's resounding 4-0 win over Vietnam in the qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. "That victory was incredibly special. After 11 long years, we finally defeated Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia's football powerhouses," he said. "On behalf of the FAM executive committee, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to Tunku Ismail for his initiative and commitment to transforming Harimau Malaya. "We are truly grateful to His Highness for his constant support, concern and backing in helping us improve the national team. "This is just the beginning of what I believe is a very promising new chapter for Harimau Malaya and Malaysian football as a whole " He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government for their financial support in strengthening the national squad. "The allocation from the government will no doubt boost the players' morale and drive them to achieve even greater success in the future," he said.
