SHAH ALAM: The women’s national football team technical manager has defended the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)’s stand not to send the league to SEA Games, stating they are not ready for the tournament yet.
This comes after a recent backlash that the women league were being sidelined to the men's league.
Jacob Joseph told Sinar Daily that the team needs more time and exposure.
"The last time we participated in SEA Games was in 2019, Philippines.
"Since then, all the tournaments scheduled have been cancelled as Malaysia was badly hit by the pandemic, I wanted them to fight against the Indonesia team but it did not take place,” he said.
The team he said would need more exposure to tournaments, unlike the men's football team with its ongoing premier league.
"We know we are not prepared, so why should we participate in the SEA Games in May just to be beaten by others?
"People will not be happy if the team loses badly, We will receive backlash if that happens,” he added.
Due to that, the team will now prepare for a tournament July 1 to 14.
"We have the Asean Football Federation Championship (AFF) coming in July, so it is better for us to focus on the tournament,” he added.