KUCHING: Harimau Malaya embarks on a new chapter with fresh leadership and vision for the future.
The Malaysian national football team, Harimau Malaya, is making waves with the introduction of fresh faces in its management, including Australian head coach Peter Cklamovski and Canadian Rob Friend, the new CEO.
This move is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate the national squad.
Football host Roshan Narayan , speaking to Sarawak Tribune, shared his insights on the potential impact of these changes.
While recognising the positive contributions of former coach Kim Pan Gon, Roshan emphasised that pushing the Malaysian team forward requires time and significant shifts in the system.
“Bringing in new management is a fresh start, but overhauling a system isn’t something that can be done overnight.
“I believe they’ll need a minimum of five years to truly assess the impact of their changes.
“It’s like planting crops. You can’t expect immediate results. You have to nurture the soil, remove the weeds, and allow things to grow,” said Roshan.
Roshan also reflected on the challenges faced by foreign coaches in the region, citing the success of international managers in high-profile teams like England and the adaptability of foreign systems.
He believes that, with time, the new leadership could push Malaysian football to new heights, provided they bring value to the league and foster a productive working environment.
“For foreign coaches to succeed, you need a willingness to adapt, both from the management and the players.
“Football is full of strong personalities, so it’s vital for everyone to be on the same page, working towards one goal. At the end of the day, they all wear the same badge. We need unity,” Roshan continued.
Looking ahead, Roshan sees the next few years as critical in determining whether the changes will bear fruit.
“If we don’t see progress by 2027 or 2028, it’s time to re-evaluate the situation. But for now, let’s give them a chance to prove themselves,” he said.
As Harimau Malaya enters this new chapter, football fans across Malaysia will be watching closely to see if the fresh leadership can bring the success the team so desperately needs.
