FAM: Games gold within reach

Devinder Singh

BASED on the national team's rousing performance in the first friendly against Manchester United on Saturday, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) believes the Sea Games gold is within reach come December.

FAM deputy president Datuk Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad said the Sea Games gold medal is FAM's target for the year as they set out to ensure Malaysia becomes a football power in the Asean region again.

"The team which played yesterday (Saturday) comprised mostly Under-23 players with the addition of four seniors and it is going to continue that way," said Redzuan after the FAM executive council (exco) meeting in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

"Countries in the region, especially Myanmar and Vietnam, are exposing their young players and we must do the same.

"We have a structure from the Under-12 level onwards which will supply players to future national teams. Our focus must be on becoming leaders in Asean first and the Sea Games is our target.

"We are not going to aim for the sky when we don't have the ammunition." Redzuan added that FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah was delighted with the national team's performance in the 3-2 defeat to United at the National Stadium.

"Tuanku was very happy and pleased with the performance. This young squad will mature with time and we believe we are doing the right thing by exposing this team," he added. Malaysia are due to play two matches against Indonesia in Palembang on Aug 5 and Aug 8 while a trip to China is being arranged for late September at the invitation of the China FA.

The matches will provide the national team, coached by K. Rajagobal, valuable exposure as they prepare for an Asian Cup qualifying double-header against Uzbekistan in November and the Sea Games.

On other matters, Redzuan said Young Tigers, the national Under-23 squad under the tutelage of Ong Kim Swee, may not see action in the top-flight next season although they are set to clinch the Premier League title today if they beat Sarawak in Kuching.

"This is for the council to decide but in my personal opinion, I think they should remain where they are. We don't want to put too much pressure on them or allow them to get big-headed by saying they must compete against the senior teams and beat them," he said.

A review of the league structure, as directed by Sultan Ahmad Shah, is also underway which Redzuan said will be tabled to the exco in three months' time.

"We hope to come up with a format which will help raise the quality of the league. What form the league will take we won't know until it is tabled to the council," added Redzuan.