14 hours ago
Cheng Hoe: It's time to get off the bench and scout
KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of a national Under-23 League in the 2025-2026 M-League season should not be used as an excuse for failing to identify or develop quality young players.
The cancellation of the MFL Cup — the former U-23 competition — has slashed match-time opportunities for youth players, raising concerns over the depth and condition of Malaysia's U-23 talent pool.
But national technical director Tan Cheng Hoe insists the responsibility still lies with coaches to adapt and find solutions.
"We can't say it's harder now just because there's no U-23 competition in the M-League," said the former national coach during a press conference at Wisma FAM on Wednesday.
"Coaches must learn to adapt. We and the clubs need to find ways to monitor these players. We'll also liaise directly with club coaches to keep tabs on their condition."
National youth coach Nafuzi Zain has named 30 players in his training squad for next month's Asean U-23 Championship, including 12 from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and eight from Selangor.
These players are expected to see action with their feeder teams in the AFL A1 League, while the remaining 10, already with Super League senior squads, are expected to gain top-tier minutes.
Cheng Hoe stressed the need for national coaches to be proactive.
"Communication with club coaches is vital," he said.
