A new era, but we need Malaysians to be stars

THE current national team set-up has been called many things.

Some say it is a new era; and others see it as a revolution of sorts, a turning point for Harimau Malaya, now ranked No. 132 in the world.

Whatever you call it, this is undeniably another moment of hope, with the goal of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup looking achievable.

Malaysia took a promising first step in the qualifiers, defeating Nepal 2-0 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday.

It was an expected win – Nepal are ranked a lowly 175 and are not known for their football – but it was the team’s performance that raised expectations.

The players showed intent, eager to get Peter Cklamovski’s tenure off to a strong start. There was dynamism, pace and composure, against the Gorkhalis who opted for a defensive approach.

Amid it all, Hector Hevel, the latest mixed-heritage addition to the squad, stole the show.

The 28-year-old, whose lineage includes Spanish, Dutch and Malaysian, was a model of calm and efficiency in midfield.

His passing was precise, his control impeccable. His urgency was his greatest asset – he never allowed the game to slow down.

The midfielder from Portuguese club Portimonense kept the team ticking, a trait that will be crucial in the all-important qualifier against Vietnam in Kuala Lumpur in June.

Off the pitch, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who oversees the national team, was a satisfied man and even hinted at further reinforcements.

The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner revealed that seven more Malaysian players from abroad could join the squad, adding quality and depth.

Now, fans are scouring social media to track these potential recruits, looking at sites like Transfermarkt for clues.

Speculation is also growing over naturalised players.

It is understood that passport applications are in progress for Kuala Lumpur centreback Giancarlo Gallifuoco, JDT striker Bergson Da Silva, and Pahang winger Manuel Hidalgo.

Under current FIFA regulations, these players will only be eligible to play in March next year, ahead of the final qualifier – also against Vietnam, in Hanoi.

However, if FIFA approve a new ruling allowing players to represent a country after residing there for four years, they could be available for the home game in June.

Naturalisation has become a tool for smaller footballing nations to bridge the gap with elite teams, while also giving professional players a platform to compete at international level.

Indonesia and Vietnam have already embraced this strategy, seeking to raise their competitive standing.

But is this the long-term solution for Malaysia?

No really. It may be good in the short term as it strengthens the squad. But the bigger picture demands a sustainable approach.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), along with Super League clubs and other stakeholders, must commit to developing grassroots talent.

Datuk Dollah Salleh and Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan, both members of the FAM executive committee, have pledged to prioritise youth development.

With their experience, they have insights to share. Zainal, for instance, was transformed from a fullback into a lethal striker in 1983 by English coach Frank Lord.

For true progress, though, Malaysia’s domestic league must improve. Uncertainties persist — we still do not know how many teams will compete in the Super League next season or whether a second division will be introduced.

We are constantly changing the rules and format and there is little clarity in the system.

Naturalisation should only be a short-term fix. We must avoid a future where clubs sign young foreign talents, and after four to five years, turn them into Malaysians.

Instead, the focus should be on local-born players.

Imagine a little boy wearing an Arif Aiman Hanapi’s jersey in the local park, dreaming to be like his idol one day - only for some foreigner to snatch away that dream of wearing the national shirt.

There are thousands of young Malaysians like that. Their dreams must not be dashed.

Short-term success is exciting, but long-term progress requires hard work — and it must begin immediately.