Cheng Hoe: Four-nation will be good exposure for players
PETALING JAYA: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe (pic) believes the four- nation competition is a good platform for Malaysia to improve their FIFA rankings.
He believes that playing against higher ranked teams like Oman, New Zealand and Singapore is the perfect ground for players to get much needed international exposure.
“Since the AFF Suzuki Cup at the end of last year, we have not played in any international matches. Playing against teams like Oman, Singapore and New Zealand will only improve our performance.
“This competition is meant to improve our ranking points but as a coach, I want my players to be get the exposure playing against good teams.
“Also, it is a good testing ground for us before the FIFA World Cup Qualification first round match in June.”
On Friday, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced that the three teams had indicated their interest to participate in the four-nation tournament scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur next month.
According to FAM secretary-gen- eral Stuart Ramalingam, the respective teams have been given the rules and regulations regarding the four-nation meet and he hopes to get their confirmation on their participation soon.
At the moment, Cheng Hoe is going around the country to monitor and scout for players for the national team.
Cheng Hoe said as a coach, he is keeping a positive mind and he is heartened by the fact that many players are giving their best while playing in the league.
“The players from the previous squad and also players who are itching for a national team call-up have to be consistent. I urge them to work hard to earn their place in the national squad.
“They have to understand that national team training is short, so they must come mentally, technically and physically prepared when called up.
“Our technical staff are looking at several new players to be called up. I do not want to say the names yet because we are still monitoring the players.
“Players will have to prove their ability in the league to get a spot in the national team.”