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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Four new heritage players join Harimau Malaya squad
KUALA LUMPUR: The national football squad, in a statement released today (June 4), announced the addition of four new heritage players to the Harimau Malaya squad. The four - Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado - have been training with the squad over the past few days. "They have shown good performances and are players with quality. They are prepared to strengthen the national squad and help realise the dream of all Malaysians," said the statement. Argentina-born Machuca is looking forward to representing Malaysia. He is currently on the books at Velez Sarsfield. "It is an honour to represent Malaysia, I feel that it is something special. I will give everything I have," said Machuca. Holdgado, who is also Argentina-born, echoed Machuca's sentiments. "From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the country. Now I understand what it really means to play for Malaysia. I'm ready to give it my all," said Holgado, who plays for America de Cali at club level. Bilbao-born Irazabal, who plays for Sabah FK, believes he was meant to represent Malaysia. "I chose Malaysia because I truly believe this is where my national duty lies. I've already begun to feel how special and unique it is to represent Malaysia," said Irazabal. Brazil-born Figueiredo is determined to help Malaysia reach greater heights. He currently plies his trade with Istanbul Basaksehir. "Personally, this season has meant a great deal to me. And now, being able to represent Malaysia and share this dream with all of you — to go further on the Asian and global stage — is truly an honour," he said. "I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans. It's something unique and extraordinary." Earlier this week, the national squad announced the addition of Argentina-born Facundo Garces to the squad. He currently competes for Deportivo Alaves at club level.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Cklamovski silent on heritage picks for Cape Verde clash
NATIONAL head coach Peter Cklamovski has declined to comment on speculation linking three new heritage players with the Harimau Malaya. Cklamovski said some of the names mentioned in media reports were unfamiliar to him. The Australian said his squad's focus is firmly on tomorrow's behind closed doors friendly against Cape Verde at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in their Tier 1 international match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras last Thursday. 'There's a lot of names out there in the media that I haven't even seen before. So there's a lot of speculation. I respect that but at the moment, you (media) know more than me. 'We prepare ourselves for a tough game tomorrow and that'll move us forward into the final phase (of training camp),' the 46-year-old coach told reporters when met during the national team's training session, here today. Local media today reported that three new heritage players are on their way to Malaysia ahead of tomorrow night's match against Cape Verde. The three players are America de Cali striker Rodrigo Holgado; Azerbaijani Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal and Olympiacos forward Jefte Betancor who is currently on loan with Panserraikos. Meanwhile, Cklamovski said his team will play at the highest possible intensity when they face world number 72 ranked Cape Verde. 'Because we want to get better physically and we want to play at a higher tempo but in respect, we're playing a powerful nation, a country that wants to go to a World Cup. They're topping their group (qualifier) and it's a massive challenge,' he said. In the meantime, Cklamovski described the National Stadium as a 'special place' for both training and competition ahead of his first game at the Harimau Malaya's home ground. The friendlies against Cape Verde are part of Malaysia's preparations for the crucial game against Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium on June 10. Vietnam and Malaysia jointly top the group with three points each after winning their opening matches.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Cklamovski tight-lipped on new heritage players ahead of Cape Verde friendly
NATIONAL head coach Peter Cklamovski has declined to comment on speculation linking three new heritage players with the Harimau Malaya. Cklamovski said some of the names mentioned in media reports were unfamiliar to him. The Australian said his squad's focus is firmly on tomorrow's behind closed doors friendly against Cape Verde at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in their Tier 1 international match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras last Thursday. 'There's a lot of names out there in the media that I haven't even seen before. So there's a lot of speculation. I respect that but at the moment, you (media) know more than me. 'We prepare ourselves for a tough game tomorrow and that'll move us forward into the final phase (of training camp),' the 46-year-old coach told reporters when met during the national team's training session, here today. Local media today reported that three new heritage players are on their way to Malaysia ahead of tomorrow night's match against Cape Verde. The three players are America de Cali striker Rodrigo Holgado; Azerbaijani Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal and Olympiacos forward Jefte Betancor who is currently on loan with Panserraikos. Meanwhile, Cklamovski said his team will play at the highest possible intensity when they face world number 72 ranked Cape Verde. 'Because we want to get better physically and we want to play at a higher tempo but in respect, we're playing a powerful nation, a country that wants to go to a World Cup. They're topping their group (qualifier) and it's a massive challenge,' he said. In the meantime, Cklamovski described the National Stadium as a 'special place' for both training and competition ahead of his first game at the Harimau Malaya's home ground. The friendlies against Cape Verde are part of Malaysia's preparations for the crucial game against Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium on June 10. Vietnam and Malaysia jointly top the group with three points each after winning their opening matches.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Holgado looks set to represent Harimau Malaya
PETALING JAYA: Could Rodrigo Holgado (pic) be Harimau Malaya's surprise trump card? The idea may become a reality, with the Argentine striker reportedly eligible to represent Malaysia through his grandmother – and the formalities now in motion. Holgado, currently playing for Colombian top-tier club America de Cali, is being monitored closely by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), and the ball is already rolling behind the scenes. In fact, his club coach Jorge Da Silva confirmed that the wheels are turning faster than expected. 'We were actually surprised by the news regarding Holgado. At first, I thought it was just a rumour,' said Da Silva. 'Then, an official document arrived at the club. However, I'm not certain if Holgado will be able to join the Malaysian squad in time.' The third phase of centralised training will begin on June 1, as the team ramp up preparations for the upcoming international window. The 28-year-old forward could potentially offer a new attacking option to coach Peter Cklamovski, who is building depth with a mix of local and heritage talents. Holgado, who has enjoyed successful stints in Argentina, Chile, and now Colombia, is known for his physical presence, intelligent movement, and sharp eye for goal – qualities that could add bite to Malaysia's forward line as they prepare for crucial assignments ahead. Sources indicate Holgado may not be the only new face with mixed roots joining the national fold. At least two or three other players with Malaysian heritage are expected to report for training. Among those already confirmed for phase three are Portimonense's Dutch midfielder Hector Hevel and Buriram United's seasoned wingback Dion Cools, who returns after a brief absence. Should his paperwork be finalised in time, Holgado might not just be another name in the squad, but possibly a game-changer.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Palmero set to be a Harimau, but Holgado's status unclear
KUALA LUMPUR: The one from Spain has come, but national football team coach Peter Cklamovski is not sure about the one from Colombia. So, Gabriel Palmero is already here, but a question mark hangs over Rodrigo Holgado. There have been reports about Malaysia getting two more naturalised players before their 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. The national team, who are now in their second phase of centralised training, will play two international friendlies against Cape Verde at KLFA Stadium on Thursday and on June 3 at the National Stadium. "Gabriel has come in good condition from Europe. He's proud to represent Malaysia," he said. "He's looking sharp, adapting from his long flight, and wants to make Malaysians proud." However, the status of Colombia-based striker Holgado remains uncertain. While the 29-year-old has reportedly received a call-up, his documentation is still being finalised. Holgado, who plays for America de Cali and has scored seven goals this season, is expected to bolster Malaysia's attacking firepower if things go to plan. When asked about Holgado, Cklamovski said: "Not sure."
