Latest news with #RodrigoHolgado
The Sun
6 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Timely boost for Harimau Malaya's Asian Cup campaign
KUALA LUMPUR: The Harimau Malaya squad welcomed a timely boost ahead of their Group F AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on June 10, following the inclusion of four new heritage players for the country. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced today in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. 'All four players have been undergoing training sessions with the team for several days and have shown very impressive performances. As quality players, they are well prepared to strengthen the national squad to realize the dreams of all Malaysians,' the statement read. Meanwhile, Machuca, 25, stated that the opportunity to wear the national team colours is very special and a great honor for him. Holgado, 29, admitted that he has fallen in love with the atmosphere in Malaysia and is ready to give his all for the team coached by Peter Cklamovski. Irazabal, 28, shared his excitement about playing for the national squad, describing it as an unique moment, while Figueiredo, 29, expressed his desire to go further with Harimau Malaya on the Asian stage. The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. Previously, FAM had secured the services of three heritage players, namely center-back Facundo Garces, who played in Argentina's top league; Portimonense SC midfielder Hector Hevel from Portugal; and left-back Gabriel Palmero, who represents Spanish club CD Tenerife B. Malaysia and Vietnam currently share the top spot in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with three points each after both recorded wins in their opening matches. Harimau Malaya began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor last March, while Vietnam defeated Laos 5-0 at home.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Timely boost for Harimau Malaya's Asian Cup campaign as for heritage players roped in
KUALA LUMPUR: The Harimau Malaya squad welcomed a timely boost ahead of their Group F AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on June 10, following the inclusion of four new heritage players for the country. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced today in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. 'All four players have been undergoing training sessions with the team for several days and have shown very impressive performances. As quality players, they are well prepared to strengthen the national squad to realize the dreams of all Malaysians,' the statement read. Meanwhile, Machuca, 25, stated that the opportunity to wear the national team colours is very special and a great honor for him. Holgado, 29, admitted that he has fallen in love with the atmosphere in Malaysia and is ready to give his all for the team coached by Peter Cklamovski. Irazabal, 28, shared his excitement about playing for the national squad, describing it as an unique moment, while Figueiredo, 29, expressed his desire to go further with Harimau Malaya on the Asian stage. The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. Previously, FAM had secured the services of three heritage players, namely center-back Facundo Garces, who played in Argentina's top league; Portimonense SC midfielder Hector Hevel from Portugal; and left-back Gabriel Palmero, who represents Spanish club CD Tenerife B. Malaysia and Vietnam currently share the top spot in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with three points each after both recorded wins in their opening matches. Harimau Malaya began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor last March, while Vietnam defeated Laos 5-0 at home.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski coy on Harimau Malaya's new heritage players
KUALA LUMPUR: The status of several new heritage players rumoured to be joining Harimau Malaya ahead of their Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on 10 June remains uncertain. National head coach Peter Cklamovski refused to confirm or deny reports that at least three new heritage players will link up with the squad soon. The Australian tactician even claimed that some of the foreign names circulating on social media were unfamiliar to him. "There are a lot of names out there being mentioned by the media, including some I've never even seen before," said Cklamovski at a press conference in Bukit Jalil on Monday. "There's a lot of speculation, but at this point, you probably know more than I do. "We're focused on the tough match against Cape Verde tomorrow, which is part of our preparation for the final phase. "Everyone keeps asking about heritage players and all that. It's great to feel the interest and support from Malaysian football fans — that's what makes Malaysian football special." One name that has generated buzz online is Rodrigo Holgado, with reports suggesting the 29-year-old striker is on his way to join the national squad. The development was shared by Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra on social media platform X, where he claimed Holgado had been sent all necessary documents and flight tickets to report for national duty. "The Malaysian national team have sent all the documents and flight tickets for Rodrigo Holgado to travel and join the Asian squad. "The America forward is expected to report on Tuesday for his first training camp with the national team," Sierra posted. Another player making headlines social media is Spanish-born striker Jefte Betancor, who is also believed to be among the new heritage players set to don Harimau Malaya colours. This follows a viral screenshot allegedly from Betancor's Instagram, showing a Malaysian passport snapped at an airport — further fuelling speculation. If confirmed, it would be a major coup for Harimau Malaya, as Betancor has an impressive reputation, having finished as top scorer in the Greek Super League for the 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, Jon Irazabal, another name previously linked to Malaysia, is also reportedly set to join the national team ahead of the crucial clash against Vietnam. Harimau Malaya will face Cape Verde in a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Vietnam stay calm amid Harimau's war dance
KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia procure more and more naturalised players, their rivals, Vietnam are just their natural selves — staying cool. Harimau Malaya's neighbours calmly go about their training, which began at the Vietnam Youth Football Training Centre on Saturday. Malaysia's latest announcement is that Colombian-born striker Rodrigo Holgado has joined their team for the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Vietnam Football Federation vice president Tran Anh Tu and general-secretary Nguyen Van Phu had met with head coach Kim Sang Sik — who guided Asean All Stars to a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Bukit Jalil on Wednesday — and their players, and talked about the importance of tactical discipline. The Vietnam team appear confident, and the country's veteran football commentator Quang Huy said that Sang Sik has a core of experienced players well-versed in their national team's playing style and tactical requirements. "I believe Vietnam can secure at least one point in this away match, then aim for victory at home in the return leg," Quang Huy reportedly said. Vietnam have brought in newly naturalised French-Vietnamese defender Cao Quang Vinh Pendant who used to play in France's Ligue 2 and former national striker Nguyen Cong Phuong after a two-year absence. Cong Phuong told the Vietnamese media: "I can feel the strong spirit and desire to contribute from everyone in the team." Vietnamese football pundits believe the limited time that Malaysia's naturalised players have spent together could affect the team's chemistry.
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Holgado looks set to represent Harimau Malaya
PETALING JAYA: Could Rodrigo Holgado (pic) be Harimau Malaya's surprise trump card? The idea may become a reality, with the Argentine striker reportedly eligible to represent Malaysia through his grandmother – and the formalities now in motion. Holgado, currently playing for Colombian top-tier club America de Cali, is being monitored closely by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), and the ball is already rolling behind the scenes. In fact, his club coach Jorge Da Silva confirmed that the wheels are turning faster than expected. 'We were actually surprised by the news regarding Holgado. At first, I thought it was just a rumour,' said Da Silva. 'Then, an official document arrived at the club. However, I'm not certain if Holgado will be able to join the Malaysian squad in time.' The third phase of centralised training will begin on June 1, as the team ramp up preparations for the upcoming international window. The 28-year-old forward could potentially offer a new attacking option to coach Peter Cklamovski, who is building depth with a mix of local and heritage talents. Holgado, who has enjoyed successful stints in Argentina, Chile, and now Colombia, is known for his physical presence, intelligent movement, and sharp eye for goal – qualities that could add bite to Malaysia's forward line as they prepare for crucial assignments ahead. Sources indicate Holgado may not be the only new face with mixed roots joining the national fold. At least two or three other players with Malaysian heritage are expected to report for training. Among those already confirmed for phase three are Portimonense's Dutch midfielder Hector Hevel and Buriram United's seasoned wingback Dion Cools, who returns after a brief absence. Should his paperwork be finalised in time, Holgado might not just be another name in the squad, but possibly a game-changer.
