Narathiwat bombshell; Kim Swee expects stiff competition

Embedded image permalinkThe list of players of the Thailand team competing in the Merdeka Cup revealed 16 players are from Narathiwat FC.

Kelantan were supposed to play Narathiwat but were told the Thai team will be playing in a "perlawanan empat penjuru" in Kuantan. Instead, Kelantan will play Yala FC on Sept 10.

The coach accompanying the Thai team - with players ranging from the ages of 20 to 31 - is the assistant coach of the nation's Under-23 team.

But Thailand FA insists the Thai team in Kuantan is representing the nation, as published in Mailsport today.

For the record, Singapore, Myanmar and hosts Malaysia will be fielding their Under-23 squads.

Meanwhile, Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee is expecting a stiff competition as his lads take on the Singapore Under-23 team in the curtain raiser tomorrow (kick off 5.30pm Darulaman Stadium).

"People may say we have been training together overseas but you must understand a large number of the Singaporean players have been playing together (LionsXII) in the Super League.

"Also, Myanmar finished their domestic league early this season to give their Under-23 squad plenty of time to prepare for the Sea Games (in Myanmar later this year). They are able to give us a good fight, not only in the Merdeka Cup but also at the Sea Games."

Kim Swee added winning the Merdeka Cup would mean nothing if they lost at the Sea Games.

"Winning is important but let's be realistic. Our objective is to retain the Sea Games gold medal so from now till then, we need to gear up for that. What is the use of winning here (Merdeka Cup) if we didn't win the Sea Games?"

"I hope the fans will understand. But this doesn't mean I am coming up with excuses. I'm just being realistic but we will go out to give a good performance."

Pic from Pestabola Merdeka Twitter account. For updates on the tournament, follow @PBMerdeka

HD says: All the best to the competing teams!

Comments


  1. The problem will still remain the same even though OKS team manage to emerge champion. Taking into consideration, many issues and facts involving sustainability are still being ignored. We are still failing in improving the ability to play the game according expectation and standard.

    The players we have today, should also be blamed for these failures.- they can only play, by not knowing how to play.
    The whole process of development of players at all level of stages are wrongly done, and as required. We only managed to produce low and sub-standard players. Mental skills are most lacking in the players that we see today when it comes to possession play( time & space )

    'I, wonder why the coaches failed to identify and rectify this very important issue affecting our players'? - Maybe the coaches, themselves have got issues. Awareness are most lacking in all these people to improve the playing ability as required and demanded. Until then we are only good at pretending as though, all is fine and nice with all the the regional titles and the "hoo haa" it has got to offer thus far.


    HSKL says: "Still searching for it, at the wrong place"

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tickets for Kuala Lumpur Masters Malaysia Super 100 2023 now available

Pelepasan cukai tambahan untuk pembelian alatan sukan, sewaan fasiliti sukan antara cadangan untuk Bajet 2024

From 'Mr P' to 'Kemelut Dalaman BAM': Four chapters of 'mesej Whatsapp layang'