Latest news with #ChengHoe
The Star
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cheng Hoe calls on young ones to fight for place in national team
Tan Cheng Hoe (left) and Peter Cklamovski pose for the cameras after announcing the centralised camp squad at the FAM Headquarters. KELANA JAYA: Dream of wearing the Harimau Malaya jersey and never stop believing. That is the message from national team technical director Tan Cheng Hoe (pic) to aspiring young footballers across the country. Amid growing concerns over the influx of mixed-heritage talents, Cheng Hoe urged local youths not to be disheartened, but instead inspire to fight for a place in the national team. Malaysia named 14 locals from the Under-23 squad in the 38-man field for the Harimau Malaya's centralised training camp ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While that number shows promise, Cheng Hoe believes there's still much work to be done to strengthen the local talent pipeline. 'We still lack Under-23 players with standout quality. That's the reality,' said the 56-year-old who was appointed to the position last month. 'Young players must dream of representing Malaysia. Let's not be negative, let's stay hopeful and optimistic.' He also acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the recent scrapping of the MFL Cup, a key developmental platform for youth players, but pointed to the A1 Semi-Pro League as a viable alternative. 'Yes, it's a setback. But the A1 League gives these boys a new stage to prove themselves. What's important is that they work hard to earn their place in the first eleven. There are no shortcuts in football. Only grit, belief, and discipline.' Cheng Hoe is tasked to align both senior and youth team structures under the stewardship of national coach Peter Cklamovski. 'Our focus is on the future. Every coach has his own methods, and I respect that. Peter has brought a new style, as seen in the game against Nepal. We need to back him fully,' he added.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
2030 World Cup dream starts with the U-23s, says Cheng Hoe
PETALING JAYA: National team technical director Tan Cheng Hoe believes the decision to scrap the MFL Cup is a blow to the future of Malaysian football, particularly in the development of young talent. Cheng Hoe, who now oversees both Harimau Malaya and the national youth setup alongside Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain, said the discontinued competition had provided a vital platform for emerging players to shine. "It's a waste that the MFL Cup, which focused on Under-23 players, has been scrapped," said Cheng Hoe at Wisma FAM on Thursday. "But what the FA of Malaysia (FAM) is doing now with competitions like the A1 Semi-Pro League under the Amateur Football League can still give players opportunities to compete and impress. "We hope to unearth more talent this way." The former Harimau Malaya coach, who led Malaysia to the 2018 AFF Cup final, is now tasked with shaping the technical direction of both the senior and youth national teams. His focus is on long-term growth and sustainability. "Our target is the 2027 Asian Cup, and Peter Cklamovski (Harimau Malaya coach) has already spoken about a long-term vision of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup," he said. "It's about using all my experience to help both the senior side and the Under-23s. That age group is crucial — they're the future of the national team." Cheng Hoe admitted the current Under-23 crop lacks standout names but urged the players to remain committed. "We don't have many Under-23 players with big reputations right now, but we believe more will rise in this football revolution. "Every youth player must believe they can one day wear the national jersey. Don't dwell on negativity about Malaysian football. Be positive, work hard, fight for your place in the first eleven, and trust the process — there are no shortcuts." He also stressed that the right mindset, coaching structure and belief in the system are essential if Malaysia are to build a more competitive national side in the coming years. "This is a challenging project, but I'm excited. With support from all parties, I'm confident Harimau Malaya can go even further than before," Cheng Hoe added.
The Star
23-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cheng Hoe's back – but this time as team technical director
PETALING JAYA: Former national team coach, Tan Cheng Hoe, has been confirmed to return to Harimau Malaya, but this time in a different role. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub, confirmed the news yesterday, stating that Cheng Hoe will take up the position of technical director, putting an end to the speculation surrounding the 56-year-old coach's return to Kelana Jaya. 'It is confirmed that he (Cheng Hoe) will be the technical director for Harimau Malaya. In terms of merit, he certainly has the experience to help the team,' said Joehari. Cheng Hoe took over as head coach of the national team in 2017 after Nelo Vingada's departure, successfully revamping the team's image and playing style, leading them to become runners-up in the 2018 AFF Cup. The Alor Setar-born coach also led Harimau Malaya through an impressive start to the World Cup qualification campaign. However, his time with the national team came to an end in 2022 after he resigned following the team's failure to reach the AFF Cup 2020 final. He then moved to Thailand with Police Tero last year, but his stint with the club was short-lived, lasting only four months. At the same time, Joehari revealed that, alongside Cheng Hoe, the FAM have appointed Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (CEO) Stanley Bernard as the deputy chief executive officer of Harimau Malaya, while former Terengganu sports director Zul Fadli Rozi will take on the role of national team coordinator. Both will support Harimau Malaya's CEO, Rob Friend, in managing the team. Their first task is to ensure Malaysia secures a victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualification match, which will take place at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on June 10.
