Young Tigers to prowl Europe for five months

Sumber: NST Online

 

YOUNG Tigers will spend about five months in Europe for a string of friendly matches next year with an eye to impress scouts of professional clubs.

The 27-member squad are expected to leave for their base in Slovakia on March 15 before returning in August.

 

The team, who will form the core of next year's Sea Games squad, will play at least 15 matches.

 

Portugal-based Nazmi Faiz is also part of coach Ong Kim Swee's plans for the Sea Games and the 18-year-old, who plays for Sport Clube Beira-Mar Under-19 side, will join the team in Slovakia after the end of the European season.

 

"If any team in Europe want our players for trials, I will be open to it. I will definitely give them a chance," said Kim Swee yesterday.

 

It will be Malaysia's third stint in Slovakia since heading there for the first time in 2010. Tigers did not play in Europe this year due to their S-League commitments.

 

Muslim Ahmad and Gary Steven Robbat had a trial with Slovak side FC Vion Zlate Moravce in 2010 but the club did not sign them.

 

In the following year, Fadhli Shas and Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor were signed on a three-month loan deal with the same club.

 

Fadhli Shas, a centre-back, made only one league appearance, as a substitute for eight minutes, but featured in several friendly matches along with Wan Zack Haikal.

 

Tigers will start their season, however, with a stint in Brisbane from Jan 23- Feb 6.

 

They have scheduled five matches but will play only four if Australia FA agrees to a request for a friendly against its national Under-21 side.

 

They have scheduled one match against A-League former champions Central Coast Mariners while the rest are against Central Division sides.

 

Kim Swee's side are also bound for the Newspaper Cup in Vietnam and the Merdeka Tournament.

 

"We have a year to prepare for the Sea Games and I will use this opportunity to prepare a solid side to defend our gold medal for the third straight time in Myanmar.

 

"Yes, we did successfully defend our Sea Games title in Indonesia last year but it does not mean we will win again in Myanmar.

 

"We need to elevate our level by emphasising on the technical aspects of modern football. As for our new players, I need to expose them accordingly to familiarise with the team's strategies," Kim Swee added.