DBasia.news – National team coach Tan Cheng Hoe has confirmed that seven to eight under-23 squad players in the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games are on the list to be called for the Harimau Malaya center training from September 3.
The center’s training is being held to prepare for two international friendships in Taiwan and Cambodia on Sept 7 and 10.
Cheng Hoe however refused to reveal the list of B-23 squad players to be called to join the list of 24 players including senior players.
“We have not announced yet (players list), maybe tomorrow I can announce. Currently there is no announcement from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), so it’s not nice if I announce it now.
“I already have a rough picture of the players I will call in and about seven or eight B-23 squad players are on the list,” he said when contacted today.
The B-23 squad’s performances at the Asian Games have been praised by many after making their way to the second round before losing 0-1 to Japan.
In fact, the Persatuan Jurulatih Bolasepak Malaysia (PJBM) President, B Sathianathan said in NSTP Sports reports yesterday, some players such as Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid could have been a key player in the senior team.
Commenting further, Cheng Hoe believes that the pair of young and senior players to be trained together will be able to give a more positive impact in the national team and Malaysian football.
“The B-23 squad advanced to the second round and in the group stage they also beat South Korea, so it was a bit of motivation or a positive sign for the national team.
“The coaching line will go to the Malaysia Cup match to monitor and evaluate the current performance of some players who may be called into the national team,” he said.
Yesterday, assistant coach Harimau Malaya, Aminuddin Hussin and goalkeeper Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz were also seen in Malaysia Cup match between MIFA and Kedah at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium to evaluate some players.