Kim Swee well equipped to handle FAM technical director’s post

National U-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee scratching his head after Cambodia's scores the third goal during the SEA Games group A match at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines yesterday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. December 4, 2019.

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Ong Kim Swee is known for his no-nonsense approach during his coaching days with Harimau Muda.

Always stoic on the touchline, the Melaka-born coach won the 2011 SEA Games gold medal with the national Under-23 team and also brought them to the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-23 Championship in 2018, which saw them qualify for the 2018 Asian Games.

Off the pitch, though, he’s an affable character who is always chatting with players and coaches, never hesitating to share his knowledge with them.

So, it is no surprise to see him appointed as the new technical director of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), replacing Dutchman Peter de Roo.

“After years of being a coach, this is another big step. In the past, I was tasked to lead a team, but now I’ll be involved in many departments such as coaching education, youth development, futsal, women’s football and many other technical-related areas,” said Kim Swee.

“This is a new challenge, and I can even say it’s another chapter in my coaching career. When I was a coach, the pressure was different because one day you would be lauded, and the next you could be criticised.

“But I don’t see this new role as a big pressure, I see it as a big task. I believe my vast experience in handling the senior and junior teams will be helpful, and I will look to improve things step by step.”

Kim Swee also wants to continue FAM’s 12-year road map – named F30 – which aims to transform Malaysia into a force to be reckoned with in the region and world by 2030.

“Some people may expect significant changes, but I aim to continue the F30 plan.

“We should give young local coaches a chance to develop themselves through our programmes, and also get senior coaches to be instructors for the professional A licence.

“I will also look at the National Football Development Programme (NFDP). It is good, but we must always think of what the boys will do after the programme.

“Now, we have the NSC-FAM project team in the Premier League, which is another pathway.

“We want talented players to spread their wings overseas. We have great working relationships with many associations around the world, and we’ll use those connections to give some of the boys a chance to play in foreign leagues.”