Quick fix or longer wait
FA of Malaysia (FAM) will need to carefully consider whether they want to flood the national team with naturalised players.
Former international Datuk James Wong said regardless of FAM’s stand on the issue, they must decide which direction they want to take the national team.
“I’m not ready to speak too much on this issue but there are pros and cons in using naturalised players,” he said.
“Before a decision is made, FAM need to ask themselves what they want for the national team.
“Do they want quick results through the naturalised players or stay patient and wait for development programmes to bear fruit.
“I’m sure FAM know what is best so let them come to a decision,” added James, who was part of the squad which qualified for the boycotted 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The issue of naturalised players arose after 14 footballers had been given Malaysian citizenship with all available for selection for the national team.
The presence of naturalised players could lift the standard of the national team.
But some quarters have objected to having foreign-born players in the national squad, which they claim should be the preserve of local-born players.
Abdah Alif, another former national player, said the reality is that the national team are on a downward spiral and requires a brave move by FAM to halt the decline in performances.
“If the naturalised players have blood ties to the country and are eligible to play for the national team then why not use them, especially if they are better than locals,” he said.
“The question of how much spirit they have to play for Malaysia depends on each individual.
“Matthew Davies, born and raised in Australia, plays fullhearted for Malaysia.”