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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- 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."
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Toothless' Young Tigers crash out of U-23 Asean Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia crashed out of the Under-23 Asean Championship after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Group A winners and hosts Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Monday. The result marks Malaysia's second-worst performance in the tournament's five-edition history. Facing a fired-up Indonesia in front of a packed home crowd, the Young Tigers held their own in a cagey first half, which saw two yellow cards issued to each side. Ziad El Basheer Norhisham was booked in the sixth minute, followed by Aysar Hadi Shapri in the 36th. Indonesia's Muhammad Rayhan (31st) and Toni Firmansyah (39th) also went into the referee's book. The second half was livelier. Indonesia's Jens Raven had the best chance in the 58th minute, but Malaysia goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani pulled off a crucial save. Just a minute later, Aiman Yusuf Nabil nearly gave Malaysia the lead, but his effort was safely gathered by Indonesian custodian Cahya Supriadi. National youth coach Nafuzi Zain said: "We have failed to qualify for the semi-finals, and of course, we are disappointed. "However, I am proud of my boys' performance against Indonesia in front of their fans. "We managed pressure them, but it was not easy to create chances," he said. With the result against bottom side Brunei not counted, Malaysia ended their campaign with just one point. Indonesia (four points) and the Philippines (three) progressed to the semi-finals. Malaysia's worst-ever outing came in 2022 when they crashed out of a group that included only Laos after Myanmar and Indonesia withdrew. Malaysia lost both matches and failed to progress. The Young Tigers fared better in the inaugural 2005 edition, finishing fourth after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Myanmar following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. A similar fate befell them in 2023, when they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Thailand after another stalemate in regulation time.
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Young Tigers urged to find their bite after shock Asean defeat
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must beat Brunei in their second Group A match at the Under-23 Asean Championship in Jakarta on Friday to keep their hopes alive after a shock 2-0 defeat to the Philippines in their opener. Coach Nafuzi Zain blamed early defensive lapses and a lack of composure for Tuesday's loss but praised his young players for their fighting spirit. With most of his squad aged between 19 and 21, Nafuzi believes the experience will help them grow, but admitted their issues in attack and defence must be resolved immediately. Key players Alif Izzuan and Haqimi Azim Rosli are doubtful for the Brunei clash, adding to Malaysia's problems. The Young Tigers now sit third in the group, behind the Philippines and hosts Indonesia, who hammered Brunei 8-0 on Tuesday. Only the group winners advance to the semi-finals, leaving Nafuzi's side with no choice but to win both remaining matches, starting with Brunei. "We can't dwell on the defeat," said Nafuzi. "We must fix our shortcomings, especially in defence and attack. The Brunei match is crucial, and we'll do whatever it takes to win." The defeat to the Philippines has reignited concerns over Malaysia's youth development system, especially as the senior team have enjoyed some success recently with naturalised players. On Tuesday, Malaysia registered 21 shots, hit the post twice and had a goal disallowed, but again, poor finishing proved costly, a recurring issue in recent tournaments. Still, Nafuzi remains hopeful. He urged fans to keep the faith. "Fan support is important. Even if they're not in Jakarta, I know we still have backing from home," he said. "I apologise for not delivering a win, but we'll improve our preparations for the Brunei and Indonesia matches." Meanwhile, Brunei coach Aminuddin Jumat is using the tournament to give his young players exposure to top-level regional football. Despite the thrashing by Indonesia, he believes the experience will benefit the team in the long run. "There are many talented players in the region. We came here with clear objectives and to compete with courage," said Aminuddin. "We'll take this tournament one game at a time." With their backs against the wall, Malaysia must now deliver. Anything less than three points against Brunei will almost certainly end their Asean campaign. FIXTURES Tomorrow (July 18) Group A Brunei v Malaysia (6pm) Philippines v Indonesia (9pm)
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
No excuses: U-23 loss exposes cracks in Malaysia's 'football revolution'
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia had no business losing to the Philippines at the Under-23 Asean Championship, especially with the country in the midst of a self-declared football revolution. On Tuesday, Nafuzi Zain's side were expected to steamroll the Philippines in their Group A opener, but instead slumped to a shocking 2-0 defeat in Jakarta, with 18-year-old Otu Bisong netting both goals. The Young Tigers dominated with 70 per cent possession, but their poor shot accuracy — just 23 per cent compared to the Philippines' 43 — proved costly. Despite fielding nine players from the squad that won the Under-19 Asean Championship three years ago in Indonesia, Malaysia looked stagnant. Their three warm-up matches before flying to Jakarta appeared insufficient. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim didn't hold back in his assessment, saying the team looked unprepared. "They were slow to settle and seemed nervous, conceding early and late in the first half," said Zulakbal. "We had chances but couldn't convert them — that shows the preparation wasn't good enough. "The Philippines, under no pressure, played simple football and got the win. "When our senior team beat Vietnam 4-0 (in last month's Asian Cup qualifier), it gave a huge lift to Malaysian football. But confidence without proper preparation is dangerous. "We're seeing so-called weaker teams like Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines improving. The gap is narrowing." Zulakbal said Malaysia must quickly move past the defeat, as their mental strength will be tested in Friday's match against Brunei and Monday's clash with hosts Indonesia. Coach Nafuzi. whose "Nafuzi Ball" brand of play once brought excitement to the Super League with Terengganu and Kedah, must now dig deep tactically to lift the squad. "It's now a do-or-die mission for the U-23 side. The players must respond positively. A good coach lifts morale and finds solutions," said Zulakbal.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Coach Nafuzi calls for U-23 rebound after Asean shock
KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 coach Nafuzi Zain has urged his players to bounce back quickly from their humiliating 2-0 defeat to the Philippines at the Asean Championship. Malaysia were expected to cruise to victory in their Group A opener but were left stunned after Otu Bisong struck twice in the first half at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday, despite dominating 70 per cent of possession. With only the group winners guaranteed a place in the semi-finals, Malaysia must now beat Brunei on Friday and hosts Indonesia next week to stay in contention for the title. Nafuzi hopes the shock defeat to the unfancied Filipinos will serve as a wake-up call. However, he refused to pin the blame on his players, stressing that the squad are still gaining experience at international level. "We played well, created plenty of chances but couldn't score. That was our most glaring weakness. The Philippines took theirs, and that was the difference — they won, we didn't," said Nafuzi in Jakarta. "We can't dwell on this defeat. We need to fix what's lacking, especially in defence and attack. The Brunei match is crucial, and we'll do whatever it takes to win." In the group's other match on Tuesday, Indonesia hammered Brunei 8-0. Meanwhile, defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili called on his teammates to tighten up at the back and produce a more organised display in their next outing. "Our biggest issue was failing to cover quickly. We were too open when they attacked," said Ubaidullah. "This is a valuable lesson for the team and for myself, and we need to be better prepared for the next match." The Young Tigers have yet to win the Asean Championship since its inception in 2005, with their best finishes being fourth place in the inaugural edition and again in 2023.
