One debacle after another has followed the national team with every Sea Games since Trevor Hartley’s men last mounted the top of the podium in 1989 invariably costing the national coach his job.
Only Allan Harris survived the cull when he guided the Under-23 side to the final in 2001.
So there is no particular reason to think that K. Rajagobal’s Under-23 side will end Thailand’s hegemony at the latest edition in Vientiane, Laos next month, such are the low expectations of the public.
But with the Under-23 squad now virtually the flagbearers of the senior national team, there is much faith placed in this batch of players by the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
They certainly do not lack exposure having played countless international friendly matches and two competitive outings against Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup qualifier s.
They are also not short on experience as eight players in the training squad of 30 went to Korat two years ago where Malaysia were on the early flight home after failing to reach the semi-finals.
After all that they have been given, the Under-23 team cannot afford to fail with plenty riding on their fortunes.
But success is subjective with FAM content with a medal of any colour whereas Sea Games chef-de-mission Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz believing the team might aswell stay home if they do not set their sights on gold.
Rajagobal, since the draw pitched Malaysia with eightin- a-row champions Thailand and Vietnam in the same group, was more circumspect.
“When everyone were asking about targets months ago, I always said we must wait for the draw before saying anything.
Now we know who we have to face, so everyone can draw their own conclusions,” said Rajagobal in a recent inter view.
“The way I look at it is that we must take each game at it comes. No team must be taken lightly, even Timor Leste or Cambodia, as we simply do not know what they have in store for us.
“But my personal aim is to reach the knock-out round (semi-finals) and then we will take it from there.” Malaysia have faltered against the minnows before with Philippines and Laos ending the national team’s campaign in 1991 and 1997 r e s p e c t i ve l y.
Ramlan, who visited the Sea Gams-bound men’s and women’s teams in Petaling Jaya on Monday,was in no doubt what the national team’s aim should be.
“This is the best chance for them to redeem themselves and make us proud. To me it is simple, everyone going there must have the desire to win gold which translates into putting in 100 per cent effor t.
“The Sea Games is a first step towards aspiring anything higher, be it qualifying for the World Cup or the Olympics or mounting the Asian Games podium.
“I know other countries have achieved success without winning their regional tournament but if there is anyone going there notwanting to win gold, then they may as well stay home,” said Ramlan.
On the playing side, Rajagobal’s squad have been compromised by long-term injuries to midfielders Bunyamin Umar and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri, two more players who turned out in Kor at .
Rajagobal must also decide which of the six strikers in training to select with places limited in his 20-man squad.
“When deciding on strikers I have to take many things into account. It would be better if I could take a utility player, one who can player forward and on the flanks.
“Different strikers offer different options and I need one who can sit on the bench and turn the game around when he comes on,” said Rajagobal.
Zaquan Adha Radzak is one striker who is expected to be named while the battle is on for the remaining places between Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Farderin Kadir, Ahmad Fakri Saarani, Ahmad Shakir Ali and Razali Umar Kand a s a my.
Rajagobal will name his squad for Vientiane following a friendly match against Maldives later this week.
Goalkeeper Farizal Marlias is the undisputed No 1 while the defence virtually picks itself from Aidil Zafuan Radzak, Muslim Ahmad, Sabre Mat Abu and Azmi Muslim.
The midfield engine room will be manned by Safiq Rahim and Amar Rohidan while the flanks will likely be filled according to the strength of the opposition. NST
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