TMJ deserves credit for success, says FAM boss
KUALA LUMPUR: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin believes that his predecessor deserves credit for the national squad's success in qualifying for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 final.
He said that as the nation basked in glory after Malaysia ousted reigning champions Thai land in Bangkok on Wednesday, it was important not to forget the behind- thescene contributions of others, like the Tunku Mahkota of Johor ( TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
“Although I am now the FAM president, I personally feel that the TMJ, as the former boss, deserves to be credited for the success of coach Tan Cheng Hoe's squad,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Hamidin said Cheng Hoe was appointed as assistant coach with the national team before being promoted to chief coach, replacing Nelo Vingada last December, when the TMJ was the president.
“Thi s shows that the succession plan triggered by the TMJ has borne fruit.
“Many may not know this. Although it has been almost nine months since Tunku Ismail stepped down as FAM president, he is the one who is always with me, helping me behind the scene by providing all kinds of support to raise the national team's performance,” he said.
Malaysia drew 0 - 0 with Thailand in the semi- final, first- leg tie at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil on Dec 1 before holding the fancied War Elephants to a 2-2 in the return leg on Wednesday to qualify for the final on away goals rule.
Malaysia, who are hoping to lift the Suzuki Cup for a second time since 2010, will play against Vietnam, the 2008 winners, in the finals. — Bernama