Latest news with #FAofMalaysia
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Argentina-born Garces joins Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: Who would have thought an Argentine defender had ancestral ties to Malaysia? Well, Facundo Garces does, and he's now officially part of the Harimau Malaya set-up, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Monday. The 26-year-old centre-back, who hails from Santa Fe, began his career with Colon in Argentina and currently plays for Deportivo Alaves in Spain's La Liga. Garces has been cleared to represent Malaysia and is expected to feature in a closed-door friendly against Cape Verde on Tuesday, ahead of the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. National coach Peter Clamovski welcomed the new addition, describing him as a calm, experienced presence in defence. "Facundo is a fantastic character," said Clamovski. "He's a composed defender with leadership qualities and top-level experience. "More importantly, he's incredibly passionate about representing Malaysia and making the country proud." Garces, clearly emotional about the opportunity, said pulling on the Malaysian jersey was a moment of great personal pride. "Being part of this national team is an incredible honour," he said. "Since arriving, I've felt the warmth, the family spirit, and genuine support from everyone here. "If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine how powerful it'll be when the whole country is behind us. "I'm ready to give everything for Malaysia." With all his paperwork finalised, Garces is eligible for immediate selection and is currently training with the squad during the Fifa international window, which runs from June 2-10.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'King Gobal' kicks off his new book
KUALA LUMPUR: Football legend Datuk K. Rajagobal officially launched his own autobiography titled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" today. The memoir, which chronicles Rajagobal's chequered footballing life — its triumphs and tribulations — was launched at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre. The 68-year-old's epic three-decade journey through Malaysian football — both as a flamboyant winger for Selangor and successful national coach — offers inspiration to future generations of Malaysian footballers. At the launch of his much-anticipated autobiography (written in Bahasa Malaysia), Rajagobal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those in attendance, including Kumpulan Karangkraf co-adviser Datuk Nasir Hamzah, FA of Malaysia deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundram, and former national players Datuk Reduan Abdullah, Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, K. Gurusamy and Razman Roslan. "This book is not just about me as a coach, it's about sharing my experiences, my struggles — falling down and rising again. That's what I want to give to all Malaysians," said Rajagobal at the launch. "I don't want to just highlight my achievements. I want to tell the younger generation that anyone — regardless of whether they're in sports — can succeed if they work hard, stay disciplined, and hold on to their dreams." Affectionately called "The Blessed One" by his fans, Rajagobal hopes the book will motivate readers to persevere through life's challenges. "Our journey is not always easy. There will be hardships and setbacks, but what matters is how we respond. Every time I fell, I got back up. I want to share that spirit. I hope this book becomes a source of inspiration, a reflection of the Malaysian soul," he said. Rajagobal's coaching journey included stints with PKNS, Selangor, Kelantan, Sarawak and Brunei, but it was with the national teams — Harimau Muda, Malaysia Under-23s, and the senior side — that he cemented his legacy. He guided the national team to a historic gold medal at the 2009 Laos Sea Games before delivering Malaysia's maiden AFF Championship title a year later — a landmark moment in the country's football history. Rajagobal closed his speech with a humble acknowledgment of the collective effort behind his achievements. "Without the players, I cannot succeed. Without the officials, I cannot succeed. That's why I want to thank everyone who has supported me," he said.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Back us, don't bash us, says Harimau Malaya coach Cklamovski
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski has lashed out at critics of the national team, particularly slamming comments made by a legendary former defender as "agenda-driven" and "ill-informed". The Australian questioned the motives behind the criticism, expressing disappointment that someone who once represented the country would seek to "bring us down". "I don't understand it. Why would someone try to attack the national team? Our own people are trying to drag us down," said Cklamovski at a press conference in Johor Baru on Monday. "You mentioned the article or interview yesterday. That's someone who once wore the national jersey. And now they're holding us back. Maybe that's why Malaysian football is where it is today." Cklamovski was responding to remarks by former international Datuk Santokh Singh, a mainstay of Malaysia's 1980 Olympic squad, who had claimed at a sports event in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday that the country's football identity is being eroded by foreign influence. Santokh labelled the FA of Malaysia as the "FA of Mat Salleh (foreigners)" and alleged that local coaches and players were being sidelined. But Cklamovski didn't hold back in his response. "The statement was wrong. Where are the Malaysian coaches? They're right here — Nafuzi (Zain), Hai-O (Hairuddin Omar) and Aidil (Zafuan Radzak) are with me. They're national legends," he said. He also pointed out the involvement of ex-international Shukor Adan and technical director Tan Cheng Hoe in the current setup. "My staff and I are working closely with local coaches. Just a few days ago, we were at the pro licence course helping them. The facts are there. "You fight with a fool, you start to look like a fool. I won't go down that road." Cklamovski, who took charge of the national team earlier this year, said his team had conducted a thorough assessment of Malaysian football — from matches and training sessions to youth development — in order to find lasting solutions. "Malaysian football needs help. The problems won't be fixed overnight or in one training camp," he said. "But we have a plan to move forward — small steps that must be built over time." He highlighted the struggles faced by past generations of players, including poor training conditions. "When I inherited this team, I saw where they'd been training — on a concrete pitch. That's unacceptable, but it's what they've had to endure, and I respect that." Cklamovski urged critics to put personal agendas aside and focus on the progress being made. "Why all this negativity around the national team project? It doesn't make sense. "If we eliminate the noise and focus on facts and the backing we have from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim — then we can start moving forward."
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.
New Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harimau Malaya's Asian Cup hopes tested by off-season lull
KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Peter Cklamovski admits the M-League's off-season break poses a challenge as Harimau Malaya prepare to face Vietnam in their Asian Cup Group F qualifier this June. Malaysia, under former coach Kim Pan Gon, headed into the 2024 Asian Cup during a league break and returned from Qatar without a single win. Now, Cklamovski is determined to avoid a repeat, revealing he is planning at least one or two friendly matches to get his players back into competitive rhythm ahead of the June 10 showdown at Bukit Jalil against the world No. 109 side. The off-season begins after the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday, meaning national players will be out of competitive action for more than a month before the qualifier. The Australian, however, is confident Malaysia can spring a surprise against Asean Cup holders Vietnam — despite a dismal head-to-head record which has seen Malaysia lose their last five meetings against their regional rivals. "We will carry out meticulous preparations to face Vietnam," said Cklamovski at the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) Hari Raya open house in Kelana Jaya today (April 23). "This time, it's slightly more challenging because the league season will have ended and the players are in recovery mode after a long campaign. "It's a difficult match, but not impossible. We'll give our all. We definitely need one or two friendlies to help the players find their rhythm before the Vietnam clash. "We'll announce the details of those matches soon." Both Malaysia and Vietnam currently have three points in Group F, with Vietnam at the top on goal difference. World No. 131 Malaysia got off to a solid start with a 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25, while Vietnam made a statement by thrashing Laos 5-0. Only the group winners will advance to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
