Latest news with #AFFChampionship
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Elite Games to shape Nafuzi's Malaysia U-23 squad for AFF Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain is keeping his cards close to his chest, but signs point to a familiar core of players for Malaysia's AFF Championship campaign next month. With the Elite Games mini-camp kicking off on Monday, Nafuzi said the short window until Wednesday will serve as a key assessment platform before the final training camp starts on July 1. From there, the final squad will be named ahead of the team's July 13 departure to Thailand, where Malaysia begin their Group A campaign against the Philippines two days later. "We have plenty of talented youngsters, and the Elite Games will help us monitor them before the AFF Championship. It's the start of the process," said Nafuzi. While the Elite Games will include a sparring match, it is not just a scouting mission — it's a final audition for those hoping to break into the 30-man squad. Nafuzi declined to name names, but several players from the recent senior national camp, all eligible for the Under-23 level, are under serious consideration. Among them are Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili and Haqimi Azim Rosli (both 22), who were retained until the second phase of training for Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam earlier this month. Also in the frame are Arif Aiman Hanapi, Nooa Laine, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, and Gabriel Palmero (all 23), who featured in the final 23-man squad for the Vietnam match. "For players like Ubaidullah and Haqimi, we spoke with (Harimau Malaya coach) Peter Cklamovski to give them senior exposure. It's an important step, especially for those yet to represent the country," said Nafuzi. However, Arif, now a regular with the senior team, is unlikely to feature in the AFF meet, while Palmero, based in Spain, may also miss out as the tournament falls outside the Fifa window. Nafuzi revealed that 26 players will be called up initially, selected based on their form in the MFL Cup and other recent competitions. "For now, we're only focusing on local-based players. The Elite Games will help us evaluate them and offer a platform to prove themselves before final selection on July 1." He admitted that the league off-season poses challenges, particularly with match fitness, but said plans are in place for at least three friendly matches against Super League clubs to fine-tune the squad. He has also reached out to club coaches to ensure smooth player release, with most responding positively. "Some players haven't played for two or three months. That's why we're organising friendlies to test team chemistry, build rhythm and assess their readiness," he said. Malaysia are in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei. Nafuzi sees the opening clash against the Philippines as crucial to setting the tone. "It's a tough group. Facing Indonesia on their turf won't be easy. We must be physically and mentally ready — confidence will be key." This will be Nafuzi's first tournament in charge, offering him a real glimpse of the next generation. "I'm still getting to know many of these players. But our structure is aligned with the senior team. We've worked closely with Cklamovski to pick those ready now and those with future potential." The Under-23 squad face a busy calendar this year, with the AFF Championship in Indonesia (July 15-29), Asian Cup qualifiers in Thailand (Sept 3-9) and the Sea Games (Dec 3-18) also in Thailand.
New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Thai midfielder Picha seeks new challenge with Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: Thai international Picha Autra has become Selangor's latest foreign signing for the 2025-2026 M-League season. The 29-year-old midfielder is expected to play a key role for the Red Giants not just domestically, but also in their continental campaigns in the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) and the Asean Club Championship. Picha, who made his professional debut at 18 with Nakhon Nayok, has built a reputation as one of Thailand's most dependable midfielders. A regular in the national team since 2019, he joins Selangor from Thai League giants Muangthong United. "The stint at Selangor will be a personal challenge and a very valuable opportunity for me," said Picha. "It gives me the chance to gain international experience and step out of my comfort zone. I'm proud to become part of the Red Giants family." Picha, who lifted the 2020 AFF Championship with Thailand and struck gold at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, is ready to hit the ground running. "I want to quickly adapt to the team, understand the culture, and build strong relationships with the coaching staff, officials, and teammates," he said. "I hope my experience in handling pressure and guiding teammates will help me meet the challenges here. I also hope the Red Giants supporters will back me in this new journey at my first foreign club." Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi hailed the signing, citing Picha's mentality and style of play. "His professional attitude and dynamic midfield style reflect the never-give-up spirit that Selangor values," said Kinoshi. "I hope with Picha's presence, we will continue to push together as a team in pursuit of our goals." Picha joins a core group of players staying on with Selangor, including Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh, national stars Faisal Halim, Nooa Laine, Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar, Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi, Quentin Cheng, and Zikri Khalili. Also retained are Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau, Izwan Yuslan, Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, Richmond Ankrah, Sikh Izhan Nazrel, Muhammad Abu Khalil, Alvin Fortes, Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar, Mohammad Abualnadi, and goalkeeper Samuel Somerville.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Elavarasan takes charge of Kelantan Darul Naim
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national Under-23 coach E. Elavarasan and Muamer Salibasic have been tasked with reviving Kelantan Darul Naim's (KDN) fortunes as they prepare for the 2025-26 M-League season. Elavarasan brings a proven track record to the East Coast side. During his stint with Malaysia's Under-23 team, he guided them to the 2023 Merlion Cup title, a semi-final finish at the AFF Championship, and qualification for the 2024 Asian Cup as one of the best second-placed teams in the qualifiers. He stepped down from the role on Sept 18, 2023 to focus on assisting then-national coach Kim Pan Gon with the senior squad. His new partner in the KDN dugout, Bosnian-born Salibasic, holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has built a solid coaching reputation across Europe and the Middle East. The 41-year-old, who played for Sabah in the M-League in 2013, has recently coached clubs in Bosnia and Sweden. Former Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa confirmed the duo's appointments and praised KDN's ambition to restore footballing pride in the state. "Congratulations to the only team from Kelantan that will play in the 2025-26 season. Welcome to Elavarasan and Salibasic, who will work hand in hand to train Kelantan," Annuar said in a Facebook post. "Kelantan are serious about bringing back the glory of football." Annuar, who oversaw Kelantan's golden era from 2009 to 2016, played a major role in turning the Red Warriors into one of Malaysian football's most dominant forces. Under his leadership, Kelantan won two Super League titles, two FA Cups, and the Malaysia Cup, earning recognition as one of the best-run teams in the country. He was also a long-serving FAM executive committee member and chairman of the M-League team management committee. In his social media post, Annuar also revealed that KDN have strengthened their squad with the signing of several national players from Asean, Asia and Africa. "Some Asean, Asian and African national players have been roped in to shape Kelantan's new-look team. All the best to Kelantan," he said.
