Young team getting the experience they sorely need
KELANA JAYA : Harimau Muda coach Ong Kim Swee has no qualms about releasing Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria and Wan Zack Haikal Wan Zakaria for trials with Okinawa-based club FC Ryukyu.
However, Kim Swee was quick to say that if both players are snapped up by the Japanese outfit, they must be made available for any international assignments as the national side gear up for the AFC U-22 Asian Cup qualifiers from June 23-July 3.
“I have no problems … in fact, I want them to go and I hope they get a place there,” said Kim Swee.
“But at the same time they should be available when I need them. Also, I was made to understand that the transfer window (in Japan) is around July so perhaps the timing may be just nice.”
Malaysia are in Group G with South Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Kim Swee added that negotiations were still going on to ensure Wan Zaharulnizam and Wan Zack will be released.
Mailsport revealed the Japanese adventure on March 12 after Wan Zaharulnizam caught the attention of talent agency Japan Dream FA during the Olympic qualifying match between Japan and Malaysia at the Tosu Stadium in Japan last year.
Kim Swee then suggested Wan Zack follow his teammate for a stint there.
Ryukyu competes in the Japan Football League — the third tier after the J-League and the J-League Division 2.
Meanwhile, Kim Swee added playing in the S-League was beneficial as they were able to gel together and spend more time as a unit.
“At first I was looking at a top five finish. Now, I would like us to go all the way (to the top),” said Kim Swee.
“We are able to connect well as we spent much time together and we will be able to gauge ourselves sometime in mid-season as Singapore have several good teams such as Home United, Singapore Armed Forces and Balestier Khalsa.
“Having said that, we still need competitive matches abroad. We still need to play with international teams to further prepare ourselves.”
Kim Swee was met during Nike’s The Chance Press conference at Wisma FAM yesterday.
The Chance is a global football talent search, providing young amateur footballers a chance to prove their worth on the international stage.
Last edition’s winner Zaky Zulkifli had the opportunity to play in front of Arsene Wenger at the global finals in London. He now plays for Premier League outfits Johor.
by Haresh Deol, Malay Mail
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