Latest news with #HectorHevel
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dutch-born footballer impressed by Malaysia's Super League
KUALA LUMPUR: The Netherlands-born playmaker, Hector Hevel, is impressed by the standard of Malaysia's Super League. The 29-year-old said the competition was better than he expected. Hevel, who recently debuted for Harimau Malaya, confirmed he will be signing for Johor Darul Ta'zim following his stint in Portugal with Portimonense. "You can tell the quality of the Super League by the local boys in the national team," said Hevel. "They have a certain level and most of them play in the Super League, so it says something about the quality here." Hevel, whose grandfather is from Melaka, has featured in top-flight football across Europe. Still, he noted that the Super League here holds its own in terms of competitiveness and technical ability. "Maybe the rhythm is a little faster in Europe, but overall, football is football," he said. "Every country has its own style. What matters is how well teams execute their ideas." Hevel made an instant impact on debut for Malaysia, scoring against Nepal in Harimau Malaya's opening Asian Cup qualifying match in March. His performance quickly endeared him to fans and showed that he could be a key figure for both club and country. Hevel will be counted upon to lead Malaysia's midfield against Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."
Barnama
2 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
My Grandad's From Melaka, New Harimau Malaya Hero Hevel Tells Hs Detractors
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- To those who question his eligibility to play for Harimau Malaya, midfielder Hector Hevel has this to say: 'My grandfather hailed from Melaka'. Though he doesn't know much about his late grandfather, the 29-year-old said that was the connection that kickstarted talks which culminated in him playing a starring role for Malaysia in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Nepal in March. For the record, Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad. bootstrap slideshow The other six are strikers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces (from Argentina); defender Jon Irazabal and left-back Gabriel Palmero (Spain); and striker Joao Figueiredo (Brazil). But none of them could have dreamed of making an instant impact like Hevel did, who not only scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Nepal in their opening Group F match of the Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in March but also took home the Man of the Match award. And now, having revealed that he will be joining serial winners Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) next season, Hevel plans to use his time here to trace his family lineage. "I will try to go (and seek information about my family's Malaysian ancestry) when I play with (11-time Super League champions) JDT. I will try to learn more about them,' he said at a press conference here today. But that's for another time. For now, Hevel is thrilled to bits after receiving a second call-up to the Harimau Malaya setup as they gear up for their second 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group F match against favourites Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (June 10).
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Harimau newcomer Hevel proves doubters wrong with Melaka claim
KUALA LUMPUR: Amid the ongoing controversy over Harimau Malaya's latest heritage recruits, Dutch-born Hector Hevel has silenced the doubters by confirming his Malaysian roots through his grandfather from Melaka. The 29-year-old midfielder, who made his debut and scored in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal during the Asia Cup qualifiers in March, is delighted to be recalled by coach Peter Cklamovski for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10. "My Malaysian heritage comes from my grandfather — he's from Melaka, so there's no issue," said Hevel. "I haven't had much connection as many of the family have passed away, but when I play here for JDT, I'll visit and learn more about it." Hevel has signed with M-League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for the 2025-26 season. His statement comes amid mounting pressure on the FA of Malaysia (FAM), with Southeast Asian fans calling on FIFA to investigate the eligibility of the team's recent foreign-born additions, including Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, and Joao Figueiredo. Argentina's Gabriel Palmero was also in the Harimau Malaya squad in March alongside Hevel but did not feature against Nepal. Hevel has quickly become a vital part of the Harimau Malaya set-up and is thriving under Cklamovski's tactical blueprint. "It's refreshing. Even in Europe, many coaches still rely on long balls and transitions, but our coach prefers shorter passes, combination play, and coordinated attacking. "If you're well-prepared to attack, you're also well-prepared to defend. This style suits us perfectly." Malaysia haven't beaten Vietnam in years — something Hevel and his teammates are eager to change. "That's extra motivation for us. Vietnam have a good squad, but we have our weapons too." Born in the Netherlands, Hevel spoke about the challenges of adapting to the international stage. "Playing for your club is not the same as playing for your country. The tempo, the style — it's different. Each time I come to camp, I aim to improve and get back into rhythm. "I don't feel any pressure from scoring on debut. I'll try to help the team — through goals, assists or just by organising play. There are many ways to contribute." With up to 30,000 fans expected at Bukit Jalil for the must-win qualifier, Hevel urged the home crowd to rally behind the team. "We're playing at home. The fans must come and support us. It makes a difference — maybe it's 0-0 in the 80th minute, and we need their energy to push us over the line." Hevel is one of seven new foreign-born players in the squad. While excitement surrounds the newcomers, the midfielder stressed the importance of unity.
