Latest news with #KimSwee
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Revive Harimau Muda or risk falling behind, warns Kim Swee
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national youth coach Ong Kim Swee has urged the authorities to urgently revive the Harimau Muda programme, warning that Malaysia risks being overtaken by the likes of the Philippines, Cambodia and Laos if immediate action isn't taken. Kim Swee said the national youth setup — once a breeding ground for SEA Games and AFF Cup-winning talents — must be brought back to stop the Young Tigers from falling further behind their fast-improving Southeast Asian rivals. The Harimau Muda programme, launched by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2007 and disbanded in 2015, produced back-to-back SEA Games gold medals in 2009 and 2011. Players from this system also formed the backbone of the Harimau Malaya squad that lifted the AFF Cup in 2010. "During the Harimau Muda era, our young players were more competitive," said Kim Swee, who led the squad from 2009 to 2014. "Now their only real platform is the Super League. Even in last season's MFL Cup, how many top young players emerged? "The youth players in the Super League hardly get any minutes. There's nothing wrong with bringing back Harimau Muda — we've already proven that it works." Kim Swee said: "Don't underestimate the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos. "Look at what's happened in the last few years — how many times have we lost to the Philippines? "I'm not blaming anyone, but we need to ask how these countries have improved so quickly. "It's time to bring Harimau Muda back. Other countries may not have a similar setup, but they have strong grassroots systems at club level. Do we? "JDT have the right development structure, and Selangor are trying too. But what about the rest? "We've already lost to the Philippines. Don't be surprised if Cambodia, Laos — even Brunei — beat us next." His comments come after the Young Tigers failed to reach the semi-finals of the recent Under-23 Asean Championship, crashing out in the group stage following a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, a 7-1 win over Brunei and a goalless draw with hosts Indonesia. The early exit has sparked concerns ahead of tougher assignments — the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games later this year. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said any revival of the Harimau Muda setup would depend on the national body's budget. Kim Swee, however, stressed that a centralised youth system gives both players and coaches the structure and time needed to build a competitive team. "When you call up players from different clubs, you only get between two to 10 days with them during FIFA windows — it's just not enough," he said. "Even if they understand tactics, team chemistry takes time to develop. "But with a centralised squad like Harimau Muda, we trained together for six months in Slovakia before returning for the SEA Games, and we won. "We didn't just win — we beat Italy at the World University Games. Imagine that — beating a footballing nation like Italy."
The Star
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Kim Swee up for challenge to change fortune of new team
PETALING JAYA: Football coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee (pic) hopes to lead his new team Persik Kediri back to top again when the Indonesia Liga 1 new season starts next month. Last season, Persik had a strong first half when they collected 24 points in the first leg and were placed in the top four. However, a dip in form, with just two wins and a string of draws in the second leg, saw them slump to a 12th-place finish. 'That's football,' Kim Swee said, who was the coach with Persis Solo before taking up the new challenge. 'But this season, the scenario is different. About 50 per cent of the squad are new. A few key foreign players have left, and we've already added several local players.' Kim Swee confirmed that the club have reached agreements with a number of international players. 'We want to be better than last season. That's the only target. 'We know where we stand financially. Clubs like Dewa United, Persib Bandung, and Persija Jakarta have bigger budgets. We can't compare with them. But we can be smart, build balance in the squad, and fight for every point.' For the new season, they have signed several Indonesian players like defenders Gavin Kwan, Novri Setiawan, Muhamad Firly; midfielders Irkham Milla, Wigi Pratama, Aulia Ramadhan and striker Yandi Sofyan. Some of the stars in the club are Indonesian international striker Ezra Walian, Nepal international centreback Rohit Chand and Brazilian goalkeeper Leo Navacchio. 'The people here are hungry, ambitious, and want to grow. And I'm motivated,' he said.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Coach Kim Swee leaves Persis for Persik
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Ong Kim Swee has been unveiled as the new head coach of one of Indonesia's most storied clubs, Persik Kediri. Malaysia's former national coach confirmed his appointment in an Instagram post with a photo of himself and the Liga 1 club owner Arthur Irawan. "A new chapter begins for me today as I join Persik Kediri," wrote Kim Swee. "I am genuinely thankful to Arthur Irawan and the management for welcoming me into this remarkable club and for placing their trust in my abilities." Kim Swee replaced Brazilian coach Marcelo Rospide who left Persik on May 27. Timesport reported last week that Kim Swee was on the verge of leaving Persis Solo after the team's final match of the season, which saw them avoiding relegation after finishing 14th in the table. "It's inspiring to become part of a team with such a rich tradition and loyal supporters," said Kim Swee.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kim Swee set to leave Persis Solo for rival Persik Kediri
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is expected to leave Indonesian Liga 1 side Persis Solo and take charge of rivals Persik Kediri next season. In a reflective Instagram post, Kim Swee appeared to bid farewell to Persis, sharing a photo with his squad and writing. "Let's cherish the atmosphere and give our very best out there, and support one another as we always have. No matter what happens, the memories and bonds we've created will last a lifetime." The 55-year-old's likely exit comes just months after he helped steer Persis to safety, with the club finishing 14th out of 18 teams in the top flight. Persis secured 36 points from 34 matches, avoiding relegation in what had been a difficult campaign. While the club have yet to officially confirm his departure, Kim Swee has removed Persis Solo from his Instagram bio, fuelling speculation. Reports in Indonesia suggest Persik Kediri, who parted ways with Brazilian coach Marcelo Rospide on May 27, have already made contact. Persik are also reportedly considering Divaldo Alves for the role. Persis media officer Bryan Barcelona said decisions on the head coach position are being handled directly by the club's owners. "For the head coach, we're still waiting for a decision from the owners because negotiations and interviews are being handled by them directly," he said. While Kim Swee's stint in Liga 1 has flown under the radar, Bojan Hodak, the former Kelantan and Johor Darul Ta'zim boss, has drawn plaudits, having led Persib Bandung to back-to-back league titles.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Kim Swee will Persis in his duty after fulfilling mission
We can do more: Ong Kim Swee (left) with his assistant Juan Torres Garrido during a Persis Solo training session. — Persis Solo PETALING JAYA: Datuk Ong Kim Swee has fulfilled his mission of keeping Persis Solo in Indonesia's Liga 1 and now, the Malaysian coach is hoping to remain at the helm of the Central Java-based club. When Kim Swee took charge in November 2024, Persis were languishing in 16th place and in real danger of relegation. Fast forward to May 2025, and they sit 13th in the table with 36 points, five clear of the drop zone with one game remaining, effectively securing their top-flight status. But it hasn't been smooth sailing. In Kim Swee's first seven matches, Persis failed to register a single win, managing only three draws. But the tide turned after a 2-1 win over PSIS Semarang on Jan 20. Since then, they have recorded seven wins and five draws from 15 games, a significant turnaround. Reflecting on the club's revival, Kim Swee credited the team's resilience and the impact of key signings made during the mid-season transfer window. 'When I took over, the main objective was clear - avoid relegation. I am glad we've managed that,' said the former Malaysian national team coach. 'Some may think it was an easy job, but securing survival after nearly six months shows just how competitive this league is. 'We brought in four players during the second transfer window, and they made a huge difference.' Those signings included Argentinian midfielder Lautaro Belleggia, Brazilian centreback Clelyton Santos, dynamic winger Jhon Cley, and Dutch wingback Jordy Tutuarima - all of whom played crucial roles in helping Kim Swee steady the ship. With his contract expiring at the end of May, Kim Swee is set to meet the club management to discuss his future. While nothing has been confirmed yet, he's optimistic about extending his stay. 'I have not signed anything yet, but discussions will begin soon. Personally, I would love another season here,' he said. 'If all goes well, I'll be able to bring in players I have in mind, some of them Malaysians, depending on the club's budget.' Persis will close their campaign against newly crowned champions Persib Bandung at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on May 24, a match that will see Kim Swee reunited with Bojan Hodak, a fellow Malaysian football stalwart now managing the champions.
