Southeast Asia Malaysia

Malaysia announce new national team head coach

Eduardo ‘Nelo’ Vingada has been named as the new head coach of Malaysia on Monday.

The experienced Portuguese tactician now officially sets to start his work later this month as Malaysia face North Korea in Pyongyang on 8 June in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 Group B qualifier.

Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, Vingada began his coaching career as the assistant to Carlos Queiroz with Portugal’s U-20 side, before going on to win the 1996 AFC Asian Cup with Saudi Arabia and guiding Jordan to second place at the 2008 West Asian Football Federation Championship.

The 64-year-old also oversaw Korea Republic powerhouse FC Seoul’s memorable domestic double in 2010.

“With his experience and age, we see him as the best candidate to guide the national team to success,” said Football Association of Malaysia President Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in a statement.

“His work with previous national teams – both youth and senior sides – speak volumes of his work ethics. We look forward to working with Vingada.”

Vingada, who most recently was coaching in India, added: “I would like to thank Tunku Ismail for getting in touch with me and then meeting me in Johor recently.”

“It is an honour to coach the national team. There is a lot of work to be done and I cannot wait to get started,” he said.