Syamer, Nooa, Dion welcome changes under Peter’s vision to transform Malaysia


It’s all for the best: (from left) Syamer Kutty Abba, Nooa Laine and Dion Cools are ready to accept the changes under coach Peter Cklamovski. — FAM

PETALING JAYA: The national football players are united in their hope to begin a new era for Harimau Malaya under coach Peter Cklamovski.

While many may be resistant to go through another change in leadership, midfielders Syamer Kutty Abba, Nooa Laine, and defender Dion Cools are quite excited to embrace it for a better future.

They were part of the team who welcomed Australian Cklamovski to the Malaysian shore during the launch of the new national team’s jersey by Puma on Thursday.

Syamer, who plays for Penang on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), said the transformation could raise the spirit of the team, determined to make a mark on the international stage.

“A new jersey, a new coach, a new structure, I hope it will make us more spirited for future successes. We are at the start of a new journey and we want to respect the process,” said the 27-year-old.

“Changes are made to ensure we will get better. I am sure the new coach has his beliefs and targets. We as players will do our part.

“We have the Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers to deal with soon. We must work hard, transform that energy into the game and hopefully qualify.

Laine, who plays for Selangor, called the changes within the national setup a big one that could change Malaysian football.

“I did briefly talk to coach Peter during the jersey launch on Thursday. There is going to be a big change and it will be only good for Malaysian football and I am excited to be part of it,” said the 22-year-old.

“I believe he will lead us to better results and change the way we do things in the national team.”

Cools, who is based in Thailand and playing for Buriram United, hopes Cklamovski will put the national team one step ahead through his coaching style.

Malaysia are currently ranked 132nd in the world.

“I’m looking forward to the March call-up and see how we will work together under the new coaching structure.

“Over the years, we have had some successes, ups and downs but I hope under the new setup, they could put us maybe one step ahead,” said the 28-year-old.

Cools is also open to the idea of bringing in new mixed heritage and naturalised players into the squad soon.

“As long as everyone is on the same page and moving forward as a nation, we will look forward to playing with the new players,” he added.

The 46-year-old Cklamovski immediate task is to help Malaysia qualify for the Asian Cup 2027 and also get the nation among the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.

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