Aiman Nazirmuddin
Football Tribe Malaysia
Malaysian National Team head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has shown faith in the great potential of his nation’s under-23 players, describing them as future assets for his country.
Cheng Hoe listed 11 U-23 players and some of the former U-23 squad players aged between 24 and 25 years old for their upcoming two-legged 2022 World Cup qualifying match against Timor Leste on the 7th and 11th of June 7.
Only three players aged 30 years and above, namely Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, 33, Mohd Farizal Marlias (33) and Mohd Syazwan Zainon (30), made it onto Cheng Hoe’s 26 man list for the upcoming games.
This crop of U-23 players have plenty of pedigree, finishing as Silver medalists in the 2017 SEA Games, as well as putting together strong showings at the AFC U-23 2018 Championship in China and the Asian Games 2018 in Palembang, qualifying for the knockout stage in both tournaments.
“I see many U-23 players who have great potential for the future of the national team. We need to build a strong team of future, [so] that’s why I [have] included them because if we look at experience, achievement and performance since 2017, they give me confidence.
“These players can one day give their best to the national team,” he told Bernama.
The 51-year-old said the presence of many U-23 players also provided a balance in the squad this time.
“I hope that with the future generation of the national team can make a balanced team. We have a complete line of players in every position and what is important is to focus on three games.
Meanwhile, Cheng Hoe hopes that the young players of the country will always strive to improve their self-esteem and show the highest quality each time they play.
Cheng Hoe said he was willing to work hard alongside the players to bring back the glory of the Harimau Malaya squad.
“They have to work hard to put themselves in the starting line-up, not just this time but for the future … they have to maintain consistency whether they are playing in the league, for the national squad or representing Malaysia at the SEA Games 2019.
“Yes, it is hoped that as a coach I am willing to be with them and I want to be part of them,” he said.
This young, budding Harimau Malaya squad already dispatched Nepal 2-0 in a friendly last Sunday, and are ready to take the first step on the long and arduous journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup with their match against Timor Leste.