Latest news with #MalaysiansAbroad
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Matching up to mixed stripes
No time to waste: Imanol Machuca at Harimau Malaya's training session ahead of their match against Vietnam. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team have added more mixed heritage players to their line-up but Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is relishing the challenge of taking on a side with something up their sleeves. For the South Korean, the new-look Harimau Malaya outfit only adds to the mystery ahead of the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow. 'Malaysia now have about eight to 10 newly naturalised (mixed heritage) players compared to their last tournament,' said Sang-sik to the media in Vietnam. 'It makes tactical analysis more challenging. We are continuing to monitor and prepare accordingly.' This wave of mixed heritage players, or addressed as the 'Malaysians Abroad' by coach Peter Cklamovski, are featuring in a competitive international for the first time. Thus, it has given Malaysia a more unpredictable look and Sang-sik knows better than to underestimate them. The new Malaysian heritage players that have joined this call-up are Argentine-born attackers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces, Brazilian-born striker Joao Figueiredo and Spanish-born centreback Jon Irazabal. While Malaysia are enjoying an extended preparation period under Cklamovski, the Golden Star Warriors are taking a more compressed route into the clash, with limited time and a depleted squad due to injuries. Sang-sik remains confident though. 'Compared to Malaysia, we've only had about 10 days to prepare. 'Some players from Hanoi Police and Binh Duong joined the training camp late, which slightly affected our preparations. But the team quickly adapted and have shown great training spirit.' One major setback came with the injury to star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, who had just earned his first call-up under Sang-sik. 'It's a significant loss. His experience would have been valuable against Malaysia. Still, with the remaining 23 players, we are refining our gameplay and making the best possible preparations.' To bolster the side, Sang-sik is turning to Vietnamese-French defender Jason Pendant, whose versatility could prove key. 'He can play as a left-sided centreback, fullback, or even winger. His flexibility adds depth to our tactical options and we're working to see how best to utilise his strengths.' Despite the changes and setbacks, Vietnam enter the clash with a psychological advantage – they haven't lost to Malaysia in more than a decade. 'That's a remarkable record, especially given how competitive Malaysia and Thailand have been in the region. 'It reflects our meticulous preparation and the confidence we've built over the years.' On the challenge of playing away in a cauldron like Bukit Jalil, Sang-sik drew strength from past experience. 'We played in front of a packed Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand during the AFF Cup final. The pressure is intense but what matters is that our players trust themselves, their teammates, and the coaching staff.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Big lift for our boys
New reinforcements: (from left) Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Imanol Machuca posing for a picture during a training session. — FAM PETALING JAYA: Just two day after a sobering 0-3 defeat to Cape Verde, the national football team have injected a fresh wave of optimism with the inclusion of four new faces ahead of their crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Following the arrival of 25-year-old Argentinian-born centreback Facundo Garces on Tuesday, Harimau Malaya have officially welcomed four more mixed-heritage players – dubbed 'Malaysians Abroad' – into the fold. They are winger Imanol Machuca, centreback Jon Irazabal, and forwards Rodrigo Holgado and Joao Figueiredo. While details of their Malaysian lineage have not been publicly disclosed, reports from South America suggest that Machuca, Garces and Holgado trace their roots to Malaysian grandparents. Argentinian-born Machuca, 25, currently on loan at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield from Brazil's Fortaleza, is a dynamic flanker known for his quick feet and vision. Standing at 1.70m, he's effective on either wing and poses a creative threat in the final third. 'Since arriving at the national training camp, Malaysia have given me the best,' said Machuca. 'I can feel it's something truly special to represent Harimau Malaya. It's an honour, and I will give it my all.' Equally enthusiastic is Argentinian-born Holgado, 29, who plies his trade as a striker for Colombian side America de Cali. The clinical frontman has already bagged seven goals and two assists in 15 league outings this season. 'Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country,' said Holgado. 'Now I'm beginning to understand what it means to play for Malaysia – and I'm ready to give everything.' Figueiredo, a 29-year-old Brazilian-born forward who last featured for Turkish Super Lig club Istanbul Basaksehir, brings a wealth of experience. He netted 12 goals in 48 appearances across competitions and is capable of operating across the entire frontline. 'Personally, this season means a lot to me,' said Figueiredo. 'And now, to represent Malaysia and share this dream – to go further on the Asian and world stage – is truly an honour. I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans.' Defensive solidity has also been boosted by the addition of Spanish-born Jon Irazabal. The 28-year-old centreback recently helped Azerbaijan's Sabah FK clinch the national cup title. 'I chose Malaysia because I believe this is where my national responsibility truly lies,' said Irazabal. 'I've already started to feel how unique and meaningful it is to play for Malaysia.' These reinforcements are seen as vital by head coach Peter Cklamovski, who is reshaping the national team's identity with a blend of domestic stalwarts and foreign-born talents eligible through heritage. Beyond the new additions, Cklamovski has already utilised the services of Dutch-born midfielder Hector Hevel and Spanish-born wingback Gabriel Palmero – part of the expanding pool of Malaysians abroad. As anticipation builds for the Vietnam clash, the inclusion of these five foreign-born players – all tested professionals in competitive leagues – has not only added depth but ignited hope that Harimau Malaya can bounce back strongly and stake their claim for a spot in the Asian Cup.
Malay Mail
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Foreign Minister: Students in India, Pakistan advised to contact missions, steer clear of Kashmir
SEREMBAN, May 10 — Malaysians in India and Pakistan, especially students, are advised to contact the High Commissions in the countries concerned and submit complete information to facilitate communication and assistance if needed. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also advised Malaysians there to be careful and not to visit risky areas following the recent reported of cross-border attacks. 'Malaysians there, especially students, are advised to avoid visiting dangerous places, especially in Kashmir, and cancel their trips there. So far, no Malaysians have been affected,' he told reporters after officiating Sekolah Kebangsaan Senawang 3 Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) Meeting here today. Meanwhile, the Rembau MP said Malaysia called on India and Pakistan to immediately stop escalating tension there. Mohamad said Wisma Putra in a recent statement also informed the government that it was closely following the latest developments regarding the increase in tensions between India and Pakistan, and urged both to remain calm. 'We are very concerned about this situation, especially the incidents of shooting using drones and rockets which need to be avoided. I hope the leaders of these two countries can think of the bigger picture rather than looking at the situation which could cause the country to be affected,' he said. — Bernama
