SHAH ALAM - Football fans in Malaysia are encouraged to adopt a more open mindset as the Harimau Malaya squad prepares to include at least seven heritage players in its ranks.
National football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail emphasised that debates over opportunities for local players in the national team should no longer dominate discussions, particularly with the growing presence of heritage players.
Instead, he called on fans to rally behind the team's mission to achieve significant milestones, such as qualifying for the Asian Cup and World Cup.
"The focus should be on supporting Harimau Malaya’s evolution.
"This is a crucial phase for the team to move forward and aim for greater achievements. Fans need to prioritise the bigger picture,” Jamal told Sinar.
The inclusion of heritage players has triggered debate among local fans, with some expressing concerns about opportunities for domestic players and even dubbing the squad "Harimau Kacukan" (Hybrid Tigers). However, Jamal urged local players to step up and compete on merit.
"If local players are determined to make the national team, they need to rise to the challenge posed by heritage players.
"Look at players like Arif Aiman from Johor Darul Ta'zim, who has shown he can compete with international talent. To reach the Asian Cup or World Cup, we must think outside the box, or the national team's progress will remain stagnant,” he added.
The Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ) recently revealed that seven heritage players, primarily from Southern Europe, have been identified for key positions in the squad, including attack and defence. TMJ, a key figure in the Harimau Malaya revolution, stressed that these additions would strengthen the team as it gears up for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Malaysia has been placed in Group F alongside Asean Cup champions Vietnam, Nepal and Laos for the qualifiers, which commence in March.
The search for heritage players aligns with the team’s broader preparations to ensure competitiveness on the international stage.
Currently, the national squad includes heritage players like Dion Cools, Stuart Wilkin and Matthew Davies, as well as naturalised players such as Paulo Josue and Romel Morales.
The addition of new heritage players is expected to bolster the team further.
Harimau Malaya squad also received a significant boost with the doubling of its budget allocation from RM15 million to RM30 million, half of which is funded by the private sector.
This financial backing is anticipated to support the team's ambitious goals and enhance its development trajectory.