Hard at work: Harimau Malaya’s Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar (left) training with a teammate. — Harimau Malaya Facebook
PETALING JAYA: It’s only eight days with the national football team but national coach Peter Cklamovski is looking confident.
In fact, Cklamovski is determined to kickstart his era with the Harimau Malaya by pulling off a win against Nepal in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri today.
The eight-day centralised training camp in Johor Baru was far from perfect but it has not taken the excitement out of Cklamovski ahead of his first international stint with the team.
“Am I expecting a perfect game from us? No. But if we play as a team and play it the way we want, the result will follow,” said the Australian, who joined in January.
“We know Nepal are coming into the game with confidence and motivation after beating Singapore 1-0 (in a friendly game), but we have to focus on us.
“They are ranked lower than us but that doesn’t prove anything. On the field, it is eleven versus eleven. Whoever we play, we will have the believe that we can beat anybody.
Malaysia are ranked 132nd in the world while Nepal are lying at the 175th spot.
“Every minute in the game is important. The challenge is to stay focused and disciplined.”
Cklamovski hailed the commitment shown by his charges during the training camp.
“I’ve seen a group of players hungry to improve every day. I’ve enjoyed myself too,” he said.
“Eight days of preparation means we did not have much time together but there boys have shown progress and that inspires me.
“Our short-term goal is to get to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. We have to have that winning mentality and consistency to top the group.
“I believe the guys have it in them to succeed.”
Is there pressure to score his first win with Malaysia, Cklamovski said, “Pressure is not something that exists in me. I also do not look back. I only look forward.”
