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Harimau Malaya squad bolstered with four new heritage players for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers
Harimau Malaya squad bolstered with four new heritage players for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers

Sinar Daily

time16-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Sinar Daily

Harimau Malaya squad bolstered with four new heritage players for AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers

The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. 10 Jun 2025 01:37pm The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - The Harimau Malaya squad welcomed a timely boost ahead of their Group F AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match against Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil on June 10, following the inclusion of four new heritage players for the country. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced in a statement that the four players are striker Rodrigo Holgado from Colombian club America de Cali, Sabah FC defender Jon Irazabal from Azerbaijan, Velez Sarsfield striker Imanol Machuca from Argentina, and Istanbul Basaksehir striker Joao Figueiredo from Turkey. - Bernama photo "All four players have been undergoing training sessions with the team for several days and have shown very impressive performances. As quality players, they are well prepared to strengthen the national squad to realize the dreams of all Malaysians," the statement read. Meanwhile, Machuca, 25, stated that the opportunity to wear the national team colours is very special and a great honor for him. Holgado, 29, admitted that he has fallen in love with the atmosphere in Malaysia and is ready to give his all for the team coached by Peter Cklamovski. Irazabal, 28, shared his excitement about playing for the national squad, describing it as an unique moment, while Figueiredo, 29, expressed his desire to go further with Harimau Malaya on the Asian stage. The inclusion of these four players brings the total number of new heritage players for Malaysia this year to seven. Previously, FAM had secured the services of three heritage players, namely center-back Facundo Garces, who played in Argentina's top league; Portimonense SC midfielder Hector Hevel from Portugal; and left-back Gabriel Palmero, who represents Spanish club CD Tenerife B. Malaysia and Vietnam currently share the top spot in Group F of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with three points each after both recorded wins in their opening matches. Harimau Malaya began their Group F campaign with a 2-0 victory over Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor last March, while Vietnam defeated Laos 5-0 at home. - BERNAMA

It's not only about goal but grit as Malaysia hail Holgado's heroics
It's not only about goal but grit as Malaysia hail Holgado's heroics

The Star

time12-06-2025

  • Sport
  • The Star

It's not only about goal but grit as Malaysia hail Holgado's heroics

On target: Malaysia's Rodrigo Holgado (foreground) vies for the ball with Vietnam's Pham Xuan Manh during the Asian Cup qualifying match. — AP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. 'A dream night,' he said on his social media page yesterday. 'Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfil this dream in my football career.' The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. 'I want to thank everyone who was part of it – my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute,' he said. 'To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. 'I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title.' From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.

It's not only about goal but grit as M'sia hail Holgado's heroics
It's not only about goal but grit as M'sia hail Holgado's heroics

The Star

time12-06-2025

  • Sport
  • The Star

It's not only about goal but grit as M'sia hail Holgado's heroics

Malaysia's Holgado (C) scores a goal during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier Group F football match between Malaysia and Vietnam at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on June 10, 2025. - AFP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya debutant Rodrigo Holgado is a man on a mission, one who wears both his heart and ambitions on his sleeve. After winning over Malaysian fans with a heroic debut in Harimau Malaya colours, the Argentine-born striker wasted no time in turning his focus back to his club duties, proving that his commitment stretches far beyond borders. Without much rest, Holgado hopped on a flight almost immediately after the match to return to Colombia, where his club America de Cali are chasing the league title. The 29-year-old Holgado was the talk of Bukit Jalil on Tuesday night, not just for his goal in Malaysia's commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, but for the sheer grit he displayed. Bloodied after a head collision with a Vietnam defender, he refused to come off, choosing instead to battle through the pain and cap off his night with a 59th-minute strike that sealed his name in the hearts of Malaysian fans. "A dream night," he said on his social media page yesterday. "Very happy to represent this beautiful country and fulfill this dream in my soccer career." The striker was effusive in his gratitude – not just to the fans and coaching staff of Harimau Malaya, but also to his club and their supporters for standing by him during a crucial point in their championship campaign. "I want to thank everyone who was part of it my teammates for the welcome, the coaching staff, and all the people of this wonderful country who made me feel so happy from the first minute," he said. "To America de Cali and the people above all, for supporting me despite competing at this crucial moment in the championship. "I promise to continue defending the jersey until the very end, as I always have, and to give my all to achieve that title." From bleeding on the pitch in Bukit Jalil to flying halfway across the world in pursuit of glory in Colombia, Holgado is proving that passion knows no borders.

Argentina-born Holgado sheds blood for Malaysia
Argentina-born Holgado sheds blood for Malaysia

New Straits Times

time11-06-2025

  • Sport
  • New Straits Times

Argentina-born Holgado sheds blood for Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: New heritage player Rodrigo Holgado literally shed blood for Malaysia in an Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam yesterday. The Argentina-born striker suffered a bloody cut on the back of his head in Malaysia's spectacular 4-0 triumph over the Red Star Warriors at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. After a clash with a Vietnam player, Holgado had blood stains on his jersey. Holgado also had a memorable debut for Malaysia, scoring a goal against a team deemed as the strongest in Southeast Asia. Blood and a goal, that was Holgado's answer to those critics who have questioned the commitment and quality of heritage players. Holgado said he was pleased with his performance for Malaysia. After having played his part in putting Harimau Malaya on top of Group F (with six points from two matches) and in a strong position to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, he has to quickly return to his Colombian club, America de Cali.

Four new heritage players join Harimau Malaya squad
Four new heritage players join Harimau Malaya squad

New Straits Times

time04-06-2025

  • General
  • New Straits Times

Four new heritage players join Harimau Malaya squad

KUALA LUMPUR: The national football squad, in a statement released today (June 4), announced the addition of four new heritage players to the Harimau Malaya squad. The four - Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado - have been training with the squad over the past few days. "They have shown good performances and are players with quality. They are prepared to strengthen the national squad and help realise the dream of all Malaysians," said the statement. Argentina-born Machuca is looking forward to representing Malaysia. He is currently on the books at Velez Sarsfield. "It is an honour to represent Malaysia, I feel that it is something special. I will give everything I have," said Machuca. Holdgado, who is also Argentina-born, echoed Machuca's sentiments. "From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the atmosphere and the country. Now I understand what it really means to play for Malaysia. I'm ready to give it my all," said Holgado, who plays for America de Cali at club level. Bilbao-born Irazabal, who plays for Sabah FK, believes he was meant to represent Malaysia. "I chose Malaysia because I truly believe this is where my national duty lies. I've already begun to feel how special and unique it is to represent Malaysia," said Irazabal. Brazil-born Figueiredo is determined to help Malaysia reach greater heights. He currently plies his trade with Istanbul Basaksehir. "Personally, this season has meant a great deal to me. And now, being able to represent Malaysia and share this dream with all of you — to go further on the Asian and global stage — is truly an honour," he said. "I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans. It's something unique and extraordinary." Earlier this week, the national squad announced the addition of Argentina-born Facundo Garces to the squad. He currently competes for Deportivo Alaves at club level.

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