We’re used to it
Malaysia will do just fine even with only three weeks of training
PETALING JAYA: After being in charge of five SEA Games, national Under-23 team coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee has been through the mill.
For the 30th edition of the Games in the Philippines from Nov 30-Dec 11, the 48-year-old coach will only have three weeks to prepare the team.
The centralised training will begin on Nov 4, two days after the Malaysia Cup final but six Under-23 players – Akhyar Rashid, Syahmi Safari, Syamer Kutty Abba, Danial Amier Norhisham, Dominic Tan and Safawi Rasid – are expected to join camp on Nov 20.
They are currently with the national team for the 2022 World Cup-2023 Asian Cup Group G qualifying matches against Thailand (Nov 14) and Indonesia (Nov 19).
“We have faced so many challenges in previous Games so we are used to these obstacles and we take everything positively and try to get the best solution,” said Kim Swee who was in charge for the SEA Games squad from 2011.
“It’s not just us ... Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are also in the same situation.
“They also have Under-23 players turning out for the senior team. “So, I do not see an issue here. “The boys, except for those in the senior squad, will have three weeks to prepare before we fly to Manila on Nov 23 or Nov 24.
“The good thing is that those in the senior team will already be in competitive mode.”
Malaysia, under Kim Swee, won gold at the 2011 Games in Indonesia and were runners-up at the last Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
The matches will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and at the Binan Football Stadium in Laguna from Nov 26-Dec 10.
On the two overage slots, Kim Swee said a decision will only be made after the senior team’s match against Indonesia.