National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong (right) exchanges the Memorandum of Understanding of a sponsorship deal for the Young Tigers squad with FAM secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad. Looking on is Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (centre). — Pic: MOKHSIN ABIDIN
THERE is light at the end of the tunnel for football in Malaysia.
For starters, the bodies will work hand-in-hand to build a formidable national team by giving full support to the Malaysian Under-19 team, also known as the Young Tigers.
The squad will be exposed accordingly overseas, preferably in Europe, and will also be provided with technical and financial support.
Malaysia were, in the 1970s, among the top 75 nations in world football, currently though are 161st in the Fifa ranking.
"We should concentrate on building a stronger national team instead of setting high targets for now," said Ismail Sabri at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of a sponsorship deal between the Young Tigers squad and the Sports Ministry, National Sports Council (NSC) and FAM in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"Maybe, the first tournament to aim for is the Sea Games, followed by qualification for the Asian and World Cups," he added.
"We will evaluate the progress of these under-19 players after two or three years before setting bigger targets. Of course, we should aim for something in the 2011 Sea Games."
Ismail Sabri said the Young Tigers squad will be exposed accordingly to Europe during the off season.
"We have jointly decided to send them for a one-month stint to Croatia after July. If needed, in the future, we will hire foreign expertise for the team," he said.
Ismail Sabri added that the budget for the squad under the deal would be finalised after the NSC and FAM submit a detailed programme.
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