Players, officials missing in new national kit launch

KUALA LUMPUR: It was supposed to be the launching of the new jersey for the national football team.

But neither the national football team nor officials from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) were present when kit maker Nike unveiled the new jersey yesterday.

The national senior team, under coach Dollah Salleh, are in camp preparing for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup tournament, which starts on Nov 22.

The team’s tight training schedule meant Nike could not find the right time to accommodate them for the launch at a mall here.

The new kit by Nike retains the yellow with black stripes design, with a touch of red at the neck for the home kit. The away kit remains blue in colour with a polo-style collar.

Nike Malaysia marketing manager Robin Kok said the design for the home kit was inspired by the classic home kit of 1958 – but with a modern twist.

“The away kit resembles a young and energetic Harimau Malaya team with a fresh design,” he said.

The national team are scheduled to debut the jersey when they entertain Syria in an ‘A’ international friendly on Nov 11 at a venue yet to be decided.