New kid on the block: Jose Baxter (centre) will officially join Peter Cklamovski’s coaching staff when the national centralised training camp starts on Sunday.
KELANA JAYA: Jose Baxter, once a prodigy at Premier League side Everton, is now set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Malaysian football.
The 32-year-old, who etched his name in English football history as Everton’s youngest-ever senior debutant at 16 years and 191 days in 2008, has been appointed as assistant coach.
In addition to replacing Australian Mark Milligan, Baxter will also assist Nafuzi Zain with the national Under-23 squad, forming a crucial link between both teams.
Baxter, who last played professionally in 2020, will officially join Peter Cklamovski’s coaching staff when the national centralised training camp starts on Sunday.
“He has been part of our long-term recruitment plans,” said Cklamovski during the national team announcement at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) headquarters yesterday.
“Initially, the plan was for him to support the Under-23 team but when Mark Milligan left, we saw the perfect opportunity to elevate him to the senior set-up while keeping him connected with the youth team.
“His experience and skill set will benefit both sides and that continuity is vital for the future of Malaysian football.”
In line with that vision, several young players have been included in the 38-man senior squad in preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier clash against Vietnam, on June 10 at the National Stadium.
Those selected are Johor Darul Ta’zim II’s Alif Ahmad and Shafizan Arshad, as well as Selangor II’s Haykal Danish Mohd Haizon and Aiman Hakimi Othman.
Also included are Thailand-based duo Fergus Tierney and Mohamad Abu Khalil, who play for Nakhon Pathom United in the Thai League.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these young talents to experience the senior team environment,” said Cklamovski.
“We are not just preparing them for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the AFF U-23 Championship but we’re laying the groundwork for long-term national success.
Cklamovski also hinted at the possibility of more overseas-based Malaysians joining the national fold, pending paperwork.
The Harimau Malaya are set to play two international friendlies against world No. 72 Cape Verde at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras on May 29 followed by a closed-door match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3 before the match against Vietnam.
