What's wrong with Harimau Muda?
Despite the U-17 team comprising top players from the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), their performance in Group H qualifying matches in Vientiane, Laos, was disappointing.
SHAH ALAM - The failure of the national U-17 squad to secure a spot in the final round of the 2025 Asian Football Confederation U-17 Asian Cup has raised questions about potential issues in the grassroots football development programme.
Despite the U-17 team comprising top players from the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), their performance in Group H qualifying matches in Vientiane, Laos, was disappointing.
Malaysia finished second after a 0-2 loss to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a 2-2 draw with Laos, ending the qualifiers with just one point.
Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli highlighted that gaps need to be addressed, noting that AMD’s selected players represent the best talent from across Malaysia.
"These players in the U-17 squad are among the best of the best, chosen through a rigorous selection process from all over the country. Given the results, it raises questions about what might be wrong. What more needs to be done?
"What weaknesses or mistakes are stopping us from achieving victory, even at the Southeast Asian level?" he told Sukan Sinar on Monday.
Pekan stressed that coaching must be examined and possibly reassessed to strengthen any existing weaknesses.
He also pointed out that financial limitations could impact the academy’s ability to hire high-quality coaches for the youth teams.
"Those selected for AMD are outstanding players, but the coaching methods and development programmes may need a review.
"Top coaches with A-level professional licenses might not be interested in training players at AMD, preferring to manage clubs where they can earn a better income.
"This situation needs a thorough evaluation and reconsideration," he said.
Pekan suggested that preparation and exposure at higher levels, including international competitions, should be scrutinised to ensure the team’s readiness.
"Playing in the local league is one thing, but when competing in Asian tournaments, our youth squad often struggles against teams like Thailand and Vietnam. Even with Laos, they only managed a draw," he added.
He added that physical, mental, fitness, and nutrition aspects are essential for developing quality players, drawing a comparison with youth players in South Korea and Japan.
"We see the physical condition of South Korean and Japanese players at the youth and university levels. Their muscle and body development appear far more robust than our players," he said.
