You can’t just walk into my team, says Kim Swee

PETALING JAYA: The fight is on in the national Under-23 squad.

Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee welcomed back six regulars into the squad but reminded them that they are not guaranteed of a spot for the AFC Under-23 Championship qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur from March 22-26.

The six – Syamer Kutty Abba, Akhyar Abdul Rashid, Safawi Rasid, Syahmi Safari, Danial Amir Norhisham and Faisal Abdul Halim – were not released by their clubs for the AFF Under-22 Championship in Cambodia last month as it clashed with the Super League.

The players will now have to impress Kim Swee to earn their stripes.

“The regulars are back but like everyone else their places are not guaranteed,” said Kim Swee.

“But I know these players will give their best to fight for a place. Everyone will be given an equal chance.”

The team are drawn with Laos, the Philippines and China in Group J. They will also play a friendly against the Australian Under-22 team on March 17.

Kim Swee said expectations on the team will be high following their strong showing in the Indonesian Asian Games and AFC Under-23 Championship last year.

“We are playing at home and the fans will be expecting a strong showing but we need to be careful,” said the Melaka-born coach.

“Everyone expects the final group match against China will be the decider but we can’t afford to underestimate Laos and the Philippines. We must collect maximum points before facing China.”