Latest news with #PeterCklamovski
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia show glimpses of a new identity taking shape after draw with Cape Verde
KUALA LUMPUR: It was not a win but a performance filled with belief, grit, and glimpses of a new identity taking shape. Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski was full of pride as Harimau Malaya battled to a 1-1 draw against world No. 72 Cape Verde at the Cheras Football Stadium on Thursday night. Despite trailing early and facing a side boasting several Europe-based talents, the Malaysians refused to bow. The hosts adapted and grew stronger as the game progressed. Cape Verde took the lead in the ninth minute through wingback Sidny Cabral, who rifled a powerful finish past the Malaysian defence. But the equaliser, when it came in the 79th minute via Paulo Josue, was well deserved, the result of sustained attacking pressure and smart substitutions from the touchline. For Cklamovski, it wasn't just about the result - it was about the process. "I am proud of the professionalism, the mindset and the way the boys carried themselves," said the Australian tactician, who previously coached FC Tokyo. "We are building something. You could see the layers in our performance, the structure from defence to attack." The match played in front of a lively home crowd, served as part one of a two-match series against Cape Verde with the return fixture set for June 3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. While the draw was encouraging, Cklamovski is already focused on sharpening the team further. "We played a very good opponent, with world-class players in their ranks," he said. "From a defensive standpoint, we were brave. We pressed, we took risks and we improved as the game went on. With the ball, there's still a lot to improve and we will bring that into the next match." One of the biggest talking points was Cklamovski's starting 11, which featured seven local players - a bold and refreshing approach. Yet, for the coach, the talk of local, mixed heritage and naturalised players does not matter. "Whether they play abroad or in the Super League, it doesn't matter. I choose the best squad available - players who are ready to give everything for the badge," he stressed. "This camp is unique because of the off-season timing and our phased approach. But the stadium was electric, and the players responded. That connection with the fans was special. "I believe in the potential of Malaysian football. It's time to show the world what Malaysians can do." Meanwhile, Cape Verde coach Pedro 'Bubista' Brito was gracious in praise for the home team. "We're not surprised with Malaysia. Rankings mean little. This is football - anyone can beat anyone," he said. "We fielded 12 new players and are trying to find our rhythm and chemistry. This was a good test and Malaysia gave us a strong game. We wish them all the best in the future."
Barnama
2 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Local Talent Crucial To Cklamovski's Long-term Vision For Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- National head coach Peter Cklamovski has underlined the importance of local players in his long-term plan for the Harimau Malaya squad. The 46-year-old Australian tactician also stressed that he makes no distinction between players and is committed to selecting only the best to represent the country. 'Yes, definitely (importance of local players in his long-term plan) but, at the same time, I don't differentiate between local or other players, they are all Malaysian players. Whether they're playing here or abroad, it doesn't matter to me. I'll select the best squad possible at the time. bootstrap slideshow 'I told you I believed in young players, Malaysian players, no matter if you're playing in the Super League, the MFL (Malaysian Football League) Cup or you're playing abroad, you're a Malaysian player. That's the mentality I have,' he said. He said this at a post-match press conference after Malaysia held world number 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw in a Tier 1 international friendly at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here last night. In the match, Cklamovski fielded seven local players in the starting XI - a rare sight since the national team began relying on heritage and naturalised players. However, it was naturalised striker Paulo Josue who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to deny Cape Verde victory after Sidny Lopes Cabral had given the visitors an early eighth-minute lead. The seven players were goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed; defenders Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili; midfielder Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor; wingers Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim; and forward Muhammad Safawi Rasid. The issue of relying on heritage and naturalised players resurfaced recently, drawing attention from observers and national football legends.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Local talent crucial to Cklamovski's long-term vision for Harimau Malaya
NATIONAL head coach Peter Cklamovski has underlined the importance of local players in his long-term plan for the Harimau Malaya squad. The 46-year-old Australian tactician also stressed that he makes no distinction between players and is committed to selecting only the best to represent the country. 'Yes, definitely (importance of local players in his long-term plan) but, at the same time, I don't differentiate between local or other players, they are all Malaysian players. Whether they're playing here or abroad, it doesn't matter to me. I'll select the best squad possible at the time. 'I told you I believed in young players, Malaysian players, no matter if you're playing in the Super League, the MFL (Malaysian Football League) Cup or you're playing abroad, you're a Malaysian player. That's the mentality I have,' he said. He said this at a post-match press conference after Malaysia held world number 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw in a Tier 1 international friendly at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here last night. In the match, Cklamovski fielded seven local players in the starting XI - a rare sight since the national team began relying on heritage and naturalised players. However, it was naturalised striker Paulo Josue who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to deny Cape Verde victory after Sidny Lopes Cabral had given the visitors an early eighth-minute lead. The seven players were goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed; defenders Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili; midfielder Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor; wingers Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim; and forward Muhammad Safawi Rasid. The issue of relying on heritage and naturalised players resurfaced recently, drawing attention from observers and national football legends. Meanwhile, Cklamovski praised Spain-born heritage player Gabriel Palmero, who delivered an assured performance in his international debut despite being new to the squad. 'He did really well, it's not easy playing against that type of opponent. They're world-class. He showed a good individual performance but, more importantly, connected with a really good strong team performance and I hope that makes all Malaysians proud because he's Malaysian,' he said. Cklamovski's side will face Cape Verde again in a friendly behind closed doors at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (June 3). The friendlies against Cape Verde are part of Malaysia's preparations for the crucial games against Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium on June 10. Vietnam and Malaysia jointly top the group with three points each after winning their opening matches. 'We will have a good recovery, then start building for the June 3 friendly, which will be another game to test ourselves tactically and also physically and then continue building for an important game against Vietnam,' Cklamovski said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Local players key to Cklamovski's Harimau Malaya plan
NATIONAL head coach Peter Cklamovski has underlined the importance of local players in his long-term plan for the Harimau Malaya squad. The 46-year-old Australian tactician also stressed that he makes no distinction between players and is committed to selecting only the best to represent the country. 'Yes, definitely (importance of local players in his long-term plan) but, at the same time, I don't differentiate between local or other players, they are all Malaysian players. Whether they're playing here or abroad, it doesn't matter to me. I'll select the best squad possible at the time. 'I told you I believed in young players, Malaysian players, no matter if you're playing in the Super League, the MFL (Malaysian Football League) Cup or you're playing abroad, you're a Malaysian player. That's the mentality I have,' he said. He said this at a post-match press conference after Malaysia held world number 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw in a Tier 1 international friendly at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras here last night. In the match, Cklamovski fielded seven local players in the starting XI - a rare sight since the national team began relying on heritage and naturalised players. However, it was naturalised striker Paulo Josue who came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 79th minute to deny Cape Verde victory after Sidny Lopes Cabral had given the visitors an early eighth-minute lead. The seven players were goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed; defenders Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili; midfielder Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor; wingers Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi and Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim; and forward Muhammad Safawi Rasid. The issue of relying on heritage and naturalised players resurfaced recently, drawing attention from observers and national football legends. Meanwhile, Cklamovski praised Spain-born heritage player Gabriel Palmero, who delivered an assured performance in his international debut despite being new to the squad. 'He did really well, it's not easy playing against that type of opponent. They're world-class. He showed a good individual performance but, more importantly, connected with a really good strong team performance and I hope that makes all Malaysians proud because he's Malaysian,' he said. Cklamovski's side will face Cape Verde again in a friendly behind closed doors at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (June 3). The friendlies against Cape Verde are part of Malaysia's preparations for the crucial games against Vietnam in their second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium on June 10. Vietnam and Malaysia jointly top the group with three points each after winning their opening matches. 'We will have a good recovery, then start building for the June 3 friendly, which will be another game to test ourselves tactically and also physically and then continue building for an important game against Vietnam,' Cklamovski said.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Harimau Malaya's 1-1 draw with Cape Verde highlights team's steady progress, says coach
KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 — National head coach Peter Cklamovski believes the 1-1 draw against Cape Verde in a Tier 1 international friendly is proof that the Harimau Malaya squad is making steady progress. The 46-year-old Australian tactician said the performance shown by his charges who managed to hold the world's 72nd-ranked team reflects the hard work being put in by the team at present. 'For us, it's a really clear focus on what we're doing as a team and last night showed that. It's a reflection of every day that we spend together, the way we train, the mentality that we train with and the mentality that we have off the pitch as well. 'Highest level, highest standards that we carry into every day with that mindset of getting better every day and tonight's performance connected to that,' he told a post match press conference, here. In tonight's match, Cape Verde drew first blood through Sidny Lopes Cabral in the eighth minute, before substitute striker Paulo Josue netted the equaliser in the 79th minute to salvage the national team's pride in front of thousands of home supporters. Meanwhile, Cape Verde head coach Pedro Leitao Brito said he was satisfied with the result, considering the current composition of the squad, which includes 12 new faces. 'We are very happy for the game, good challenge for us and Malaysia. I think both teams had chances to score but for us it's okay because in this game we had 12 new players who did their first game for the national team,' he said. Malaysia will once again face Cape Verde in a friendly match behind closed doors at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3. The two friendlies against Cape Verde are in preparation for Malaysia to face Vietnam in the second Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on June 10. Vietnam and Malaysia now share the top two spots in the group with three points respectively after having played a match each. — Bernama
