Cklamovski: I hope Cape Verde show up with their best

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski is still in the dark over whether Cape Verde will be sending their main squad for the upcoming friendlies but insists Harimau Malaya are focused on the task at hand.
"I hope so. No confirmation because they haven't announced yet. I've got nothing to do with their federation, but I hope they come at full strength.
"And even if they don't, they've got some serious talent in their squad who'll want to prove a point.
"Either way, it's going to be an exciting game — Cape Verde trying to give their best and a Malaysian team eager to make the country proud," said Cklamovski at Wisma FAM on Thursday.
Malaysia will take on the Blue Sharks, ranked world No. 72, at the KLFA Stadium on May 29, followed by a closed-door match at the National Stadium on June 3 — both crucial tune-ups ahead of their Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 in Bukit Jalil.
However, as reported by Timesport on Monday, concerns remain over whether Malaysia will face the 'real' Cape Verde team, with the FA of Malaysia (FAM) still unable to confirm their squad list.
The situation has triggered memories of the infamous "Zimbabwe sham" in 2009, when local side Monomotapa United posed as their national team in two matches against Malaysia — a fiasco that caused national embarrassment after it emerged Harimau Malaya had played imposters dressed in Zimbabwe colours.
Despite the uncertainty, Cklamovski is pressing ahead with preparations for the Vietnam clash, beginning with a three-phase national training camp kicking off on May 18 in Johor Bahru.
A total of 38 players have been called up, with the staggered phases aimed at managing player fatigue after what he described as one of the longest domestic seasons in world football.
"Phase One is the start of our preparations for an important match against Vietnam.
"Phase Two will be announced on May 25, and there'll be a few changes to the squad. Then we've got the final phase in early June, which is the selection for the Vietnam game," he said.
Cklamovski stressed that the approach takes into account Malaysia's unique football calendar.
"Players need a bit of a break. Those reporting for Phase One have had four weeks off. The ones coming in for Phase Two will also have had the same off-season period.
"We've also named six under-23 players as part of our commitment to building the youth pathway moving forward," he said.
Each player has been given a personalised off-season programme designed by head of sports science Dr Craig Duncan to ensure they return to camp fit and ready.
"Every day in camp matters. Players will be cut from phase to phase, and in Phase Three we hope to include some Malaysian players based abroad.
"From Day One, players know they need to perform to stay in the squad," added Cklamovski.
Foreign-based duo Dion Cools and Hector Hevel are expected to arrive on June 1 due to club commitments.
Cools recently won the Thai League 1 title with Buriram United, while Hevel, who plays for Portuguese side Portimonense, impressed in the last outing against Nepal on March 25, helping Malaysia win 2-0 in their opening Group F match of the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Cklamovski will monitor every detail during the centralised camp, even as doubts remain over the strength of the Cape Verde line-up.
"We're focused on developing our game and applying our principles. We'll implement them against Cape Verde to put ourselves in a strong position ahead of Vietnam," he said.
THE SQUAD
FIRST PHASE
(May 19)
Goalkeeper: Azri Ghani, Haziq Nadzli, Rahadiazli Rahalim, Syed Nasrulhaq Syed Bidin;
Defender: Aiman Hakimi Othman, Alif Ahmad, Daniel Ting, Dominic Tan, Gabriel Palmero, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, Quentin Cheng, Safwan Mazlan, Shafizan Arshad, Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, Zikri Khalili;
Midfield: Hayqal Danish, Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan, Muhammad Abu Khalil, Nazmi Faiz Mansor, Nooa Laine, Stuart Wilkin, Syamer Kutty Abba;
Forward: Arif Aiman Hanapi, Faisal Halim, Fergus Tierney, Haqimi Azim, Paulo Josue, Safawi Rasid.
SECOND PHASE
(May 25)
Goalkeeper: Syihan Hazmi Mohamed;
Defender: La'Vere Corbin-Ong, Matthew Davies, Shahrul Saad, Junior Eldstal;
Midfield: Afiq Fazail, Romel Morales, Endrick dos Santos.
THIRD PHASE
(June 5)
Defender: Dion Cools;
Midfield: Hector Hevel.