DON’T UNDERESTIMATE

Cheng Hoe: Beware of Mongolians’ Genghis Khan fighting spirit

“The Mongolian players have inherited Genghis Khan’s conquering, fighting spirit, so they are fighters!” stressed national coach Tan Cheng Hoe.

Therefore, Cheng Hoe has reminded his charges not to look down on the ability of the Mongolian players even though Malaysia are ranked eleven places (178) higher than them (189) in the Fifa world rankings.

In fact, Cheng Hoe insisted that he will be wary of Malaysia’s opponents as there is little or no information about the Mongolians, who are under experienced 53-year-old German coach Hans Michael Weiss.

“Mongolia are taking the friendly international match against us seriously as they trained for two weeks in China in preparation to face us.

“So our players must not look down on Mongolia. What they perhaps lack in terms of technique they more than make up with their determination and fighting spirit.

“Just looking back in terms of history, Mongolians are the descendants and have the DNA of renowned conqueror Genghis Khan, who was also known for his fighting spirit and ferocity, so the Mongolian players would have inherited that fighting spirit,” said Cheng Hoe during a pre-match press conference in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

Cheng Hoe’s charges will face Mongolia in a Class A international friendly match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today before they face their final 2019 Asia Cup qualifying match against Lebanon in Beirut next Tuesday.

Cheng Hoe admitted that he does not want to put unnecessary pressure on his players even though they are going through a tough spell without a win, as the last time they tasted victory was the 3-2 win over Cambodia in the AFF Cup back in November 2016.

“This is the national team’s first match of 2018 and the players have had little time to prepare for this friendly encounter. However, I believe in the ability of the players and am positive they can achieve a positive result.

“This is an ideal opportunity for us to open a new chapter of sorts for the national team and the question or issue of bad performances before this should be put behind us, because we need to look ahead in the quest to achieve positive results.

“The players must think positive and possess the desire to do as best they can for Malaysia. Though what’s important is that they play well together as a team and enjoy this international friendly match,” added Cheng Hoe.

Cheng Hoe has confirmed that naturalised player, Kiko Insa, previously thought to be sidelined because of an eye infection, has managed to recover in time and is now ready for action with Harimau Malaya.