Latest news with #HarimauMuda
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Revive Harimau Muda or risk falling behind, warns Kim Swee
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national youth coach Ong Kim Swee has urged the authorities to urgently revive the Harimau Muda programme, warning that Malaysia risks being overtaken by the likes of the Philippines, Cambodia and Laos if immediate action isn't taken. Kim Swee said the national youth setup — once a breeding ground for SEA Games and AFF Cup-winning talents — must be brought back to stop the Young Tigers from falling further behind their fast-improving Southeast Asian rivals. The Harimau Muda programme, launched by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2007 and disbanded in 2015, produced back-to-back SEA Games gold medals in 2009 and 2011. Players from this system also formed the backbone of the Harimau Malaya squad that lifted the AFF Cup in 2010. "During the Harimau Muda era, our young players were more competitive," said Kim Swee, who led the squad from 2009 to 2014. "Now their only real platform is the Super League. Even in last season's MFL Cup, how many top young players emerged? "The youth players in the Super League hardly get any minutes. There's nothing wrong with bringing back Harimau Muda — we've already proven that it works." Kim Swee said: "Don't underestimate the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos. "Look at what's happened in the last few years — how many times have we lost to the Philippines? "I'm not blaming anyone, but we need to ask how these countries have improved so quickly. "It's time to bring Harimau Muda back. Other countries may not have a similar setup, but they have strong grassroots systems at club level. Do we? "JDT have the right development structure, and Selangor are trying too. But what about the rest? "We've already lost to the Philippines. Don't be surprised if Cambodia, Laos — even Brunei — beat us next." His comments come after the Young Tigers failed to reach the semi-finals of the recent Under-23 Asean Championship, crashing out in the group stage following a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, a 7-1 win over Brunei and a goalless draw with hosts Indonesia. The early exit has sparked concerns ahead of tougher assignments — the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the SEA Games later this year. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said any revival of the Harimau Muda setup would depend on the national body's budget. Kim Swee, however, stressed that a centralised youth system gives both players and coaches the structure and time needed to build a competitive team. "When you call up players from different clubs, you only get between two to 10 days with them during FIFA windows — it's just not enough," he said. "Even if they understand tactics, team chemistry takes time to develop. "But with a centralised squad like Harimau Muda, we trained together for six months in Slovakia before returning for the SEA Games, and we won. "We didn't just win — we beat Italy at the World University Games. Imagine that — beating a footballing nation like Italy."
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Aliff speaks the brutal truth after AFF exit
Blunt: Aliff admitted that a lack of hunger in front of goal was what cost the team dearly. — FAM PETALING JAYA: It takes courage to speak hard truths and winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan has done just that. The 21-year-old admitted that a lack of hunger in front of goal was the key reason behind Malaysia's early exit from the recent AFF Under-23 Championship in Indonesia. While some of his teammates pointed fingers at poor communication and inexperience, the Selangor player, one of the few standout performers in the tournament, believes the young Harimau Muda side lacked the cutting edge to score, despite creating a flurry of chances throughout their Group A campaign. Malaysia suffered a 0-2 loss to the Philippines, defeated Brunei 7-1 and were held to a goalless draw by Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. 'We had so many chances in all three games, but we didn't make them count. Our conversion rate wasn't good,' said the left-footed winger, known for his pace and trickery down the flanks. 'Even Brunei had only one clear chance against us but they scored because they were committed to it. That's what we lacked - the final bit of desire to put the ball in the net.' Malaysia, under coach Nafuzi Zain, created an impressive 70 chances over three games - but only seven goals were scored, with seven of them coming in one match against a weakened Brunei side. Aliff dismissed suggestions that on-field communication was a major issue. 'We've known each other for a long time. Communication wasn't the problem. It's just the chemistry on the pitch that needs a bit more work, especially with some new faces in the squad. That will take time.' Despite being one of the more consistent players during the campaign, Aliff wasn't entirely satisfied with his own performance, saying that he didn't score and assist, despite the number of chances he created from the flanks. With eyes now fixed on the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September, where Malaysia will face Thailand, Lebanon, and Mongolia, he knows the road ahead will be even tougher. 'I'm a little disappointed with myself because I couldn't help the team more,' he admitted. 'But I'll make sure we qualify for the Asian Cup. We'll do better in the qualifiers.'
The Star
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Early exit for Harimau Muda but Nafuzi sees silver lining
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's early exit from the AFF Under-23 Championship may sting but it could also be the wake-up call Harimau Muda need ahead of their bigger test in September. A goalless draw against hosts Indonesia sealed their fate as the national youth side bowed out of the group stage at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya on Monday. Malaysia had earlier suffered a 0-2 defeat to the Philippines in the opening group match but defeated Brunei 7-1. Despite the disappointment, head coach Nafuzi Zain sees the campaign as a valuable stepping stone before the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. 'There's disappointment but I'm proud of their commitment. It was not easy playing in this stadium,' said Nafuzi. 'We absorbed the pressure well and throughout the 90 minutes, Indonesia didn't have clear chances, except from long throw-ins.' While Malaysia lacked a cutting edge in the final third, they demonstrated tactical discipline and defensive composure, especially in how they neutralised the host nation's attacking threats. One of the standout performers was centreback Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili, who silenced Indonesian strikers Jens Raven and Hokky Caraka with grit and aggression. What's more important is that he didn't show any fear during the game, which bodes well for his development. 'It was a high-pressure game, and to me, the players responded well,' said Nafuzi. 'This is an age-group competition, and some players are still gaining international experience, we surely need to plan better. 'Now, the players know what it takes to compete at this level and I hope it will help them mature and show growth in the game before the AFC Under-23 qualifiers.' With the AFF campaign now behind them, Nafuzi and his squad will turn their focus to the AFC U-23 qualifiers – where Malaysia will face stronger opponents and a higher level of intensity. 'It's now about learning from the defeat and stepping up when it matters most.'
The Star
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia fail to hit AFF U-23 semi-final target
Coming through: Malaysia's Mohd Harry Danish Mohd Haizon (right) vying for the ball with Philippines' goalkeeper Nicholas Guimaraes during their AFF Under-23 Championship match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. — AP PETALING JAYA: Harimau Muda failed to advance to the semi-final of the AFF Under-23 Championship after they were held 0-0 by host nation Indonesia in their final Group A match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Monday (July 21). They finished third in the group with four points, while Indonesia topped the group with seven. The Philippines were second with six points but would have to wait and see if they are the best runners-up out of the three groups in the competition. Indonesia dominated the first half with 70% but in terms of chances, they had six, while Malaysia had four good chances despite having less possession. The game was indeed frenetic as both sides were aggressive, which led to match referee Koji Takasaki brandishing four yellow cards, two for each team. The highlight of the game was Robi Darwis' throw-ins, in which the Indonesian made several dangerous long throws that made the Malaysian players be on their toes. Malaysia's first strong chance came in the 52nd minute when winger Aliff Izwan Yuslan unleashed a powerful free kick from 30 metres, but his stinging effort was palmed away superbly by Indonesian goalkeeper Cahya Supriadi. Five minutes later, Indonesia thought they had the lead when wingback Achmad Maulana Syarif made a low-drilled cross from the right, which was tapped by striker Jens Raven, but Malaysian goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani was able to save his attempt.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Caution's the name of the game as Nafuzi plots upset over Indonesia
PETALING JAYA: National Under-23 football team head coach Nafuzi Zain is wary ahead of the team's crucial group clash against hosts Indonesia in the AFF U-23 Championship on Sunday (July 20). In a must-win game for Malaysia to stand a chance of getting to the semi-finals, Nafuzi is wary of Indonesia's quality players as the hosts sit top of Group A with two wins. "Based on how Indonesia played their two group matches, it's clear they are a very good team," said Nafuzi. "Individually, the players possess great quality, especially when it comes to their speed and physical strength. "We can see the way they play with speed in their game. Some of the players play in the Indonesia Liga 1 and show high maturity," he said. Indonesia thrashed Brunei 8-0 in their opening group match and followed this up with a 1-0 win over the Philippines. Malaysia are currently in third place with three points, after a 7-1 win against Brunei on Friday and a 0-2 loss in their opening match against the Philippines, who are second in the group, level on points with Malaysia. Nafuzi added that the team are injury-free, with wingers Aliff Izwan Yuslan and Faris Danish ready after being rested for the match against Brunei. "So far, everything has been going well. The team is positive and the injured players are also back in training. "Hopefully, we can field them for the big match against Indonesia," he said. The Harimau Muda will be facing a tough challenge at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium and Nafuzi said the team is likely to be similar to the squad that faced Brunei.
