Local Talent Crucial To Cklamovski's Long-term Vision For Harimau Malaya

Barnama

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- National head coach Peter Cklamovski has underlined the importance of local players in his long-term plan for the Harimau Malaya squad.
The 46-year-old Australian tactician also stressed that he makes no distinction between players and is committed to selecting only the best to represent the country.
'Yes, definitely (importance of local players in his long-term plan) but, at the same time, I don't differentiate between local or other players, they are all Malaysian players. Whether they're playing here or abroad, it doesn't matter to me. I'll select the best squad possible at the time.
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'I told you I believed in young players, Malaysian players, no matter if you're playing in the Super League, the MFL (Malaysian Football League) Cup or you're playing abroad, you're a Malaysian player. That's the mentality I have,' he said.
He said this at a post-match press conference after Malaysia held world number 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw in a Tier 1 international friendly at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here last night.
In the match, Cklamovski fielded seven local players in the starting XI - a rare sight since the national team began relying on heritage and naturalised players.
However, it was naturalised striker Paulo Josue who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to deny Cape Verde victory after Sidny Lopes Cabral had given the visitors an early eighth-minute lead.
The seven players were goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed; defenders Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili; midfielder Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor; wingers Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim; and forward Muhammad Safawi Rasid.
The issue of relying on heritage and naturalised players resurfaced recently, drawing attention from observers and national football legends.