‘Take in naturalized players to increase the quality’

DBasia.news – Experienced striker Mohd Safee Sali hopes that only naturalists who can make a big impact will be given the chance to wear the Harimau Malaya jersey.

This is because for him it’s useless to use outside players simply complete the naturalization quota if performance is not much different with local players.

“No use taking in naturalized players if we can not make a big impact. Naturalized players must be better players than local players, not just a complement to the team,” PKNS FC said.

The FAM’s proposal to absorb the naturalized player into the national squad may have no obstacle after the government gave the green light yesterday.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad when asked about the matter said naturalized players are not new in football and it can be practiced as long as local players’ position is protected and not left out.

Safee, who became the top goaler when Malaysia embarked on the first AFF Cup 2010 championship, however, saw the presence of a naturalized player won’t shut down opportunities for local players in the Harimau Malaya squad.

“I did not see when FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) intends to take naturalized players, then the opportunities of local players continue to be closed.

“For me, national squad is a place for the best players in the country, so local players need to work harder to compete for the place.

“If this is to be done, it is certain that the competition among players will be fierce and it will be up to the coach to pick the players,” he said.