Latest news with #RezalZamberyYahya
The Star
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Locals must take advantage with inclusion of more foreigners in league
PETALING JAYA: It's time for the local footballers to rise up. Former national footballer Rezal Zambery Yahya believes the growing competition for places in the starting eleven is a healthy and much-needed development for Malaysian football. He views the increase in foreign player quotas for clubs in the upcoming Super League season, coupled with the recent inclusion of five heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad, as a catalyst for local players to rise to the challenge and not shy away from it. 'This is the current trend in football,' said Rezal, who previously coached Kelantan. 'If players want to remain competitive, they must possess strong self-discipline, good attitude and character, a positive mindset, and most importantly, the determination to train harder and more consistently.' Rezal stressed that the modern game demands more than just raw talent. Local players need to evolve to stay relevant and contribute meaningfully to both the club and the country. 'If this happens, it won't just lead to personal growth. 'Teams will improve, and the national setup will benefit instantly from that ripple effect,' he said. He also underlined the importance of cultivating a culture of healthy competition from the grassroots level, so that players are always mentally prepared when opportunities arise. 'Local players need to wake up and realise that nothing comes easy. 'Everyone has to fight for their spot, and that's the only way to bring out the best in themselves,' he added. With the league becoming increasingly demanding and emerging talents making a mark, Rezal remains optimistic about Malaysia's footballing direction. He believes that with the right mindset and collective effort, the national game is entering a promising and exciting phase.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves'
KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Rezal Zambery Yahya said that the growing competition for places in the national team is a healthy sign for Malaysian football. The ex-Kelantan coach sees the increase in foreign player quota for the 2025-2026 Super League season, and the addition of five naturalised players to Harimau Malaya as developments that will only intensify the challenge for local players positively. Rather than seeing this as a threat, Rezal urged local players to treat it as motivation to improve themselves. "This is the trend in modern football. If players want to keep competing, they must have strong character, a good attitude, a positive mindset, and most importantly, be willing to work harder and train consistently," he said. "If this happens, not only will individual development improve, but it will benefit the team and the country as well. The positive impact will be felt immediately." He added that it's essential for players to adapt to the modern game, which now demands more than just natural talent. "Local players must wake up and realise that everyone needs to fight for the best version of themselves," he said.
