PETALING JAYA: National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee has conceded that it will be hard for him to juggle his commitment between the senior and Under-23 sides.
The former international was announced as the interim coach in February by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after Datuk K. Rajagopal’s contract expired last December.
FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said that they would appoint a permanent coach after FAM’s congress-cum-election next month.
Kim Swee, who also coaches the Harimau Muda A squad in the Queensland Premier League, has his hands full as he’s also tasked with guiding the national Under-23 team at the Incheon Asian Games in September.
The 43-year-old coach said that he would have a talk with FAM if he is to handle the senior team for a longer period.
“If coaching the senior team is only for a short term, then I’m ready for it, but if it’s long term ... I need to have a talk with the management,” said Kim Swee after the national team’s rain-hit training session at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Monday.
Kim Swee, who is preparing the team for a friendly against the Philippines in Cebu on Sunday, said that his plans were disrupted by yesterday’s downpour.
The Harimau Malaya were held to a goalless draw by the Philippines at the Selayang Stadium on Feb 1 and Kim Swee expects a more difficult task against the Azkals at their home ground.
“Sixteen players reported for training today, excluding Junior Edlstal. He informed us that he will report for duty today due to family problems,” said Kim Swee.
“We’ll have to check if there are any injury concerns when the Selangor and Kelantan players return from their AFC Cup matches on Wednesday and Thursday.
“The Philippines have played a lot of matches since our friendly in February and they’ll be more formidable in front of their home fans.”
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
