PETALING JAYA: Perak coach Yusri Che Lah believes that the Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) move to abolish the MFL Cup from next season is a step that could positively impact youth players’ development.
He said the young players will now need to be bolder and more motivated to fight for spots in the first team playing in the Super League.
“In my opinion, it’s not a problem if we want our young players to be more competitive with senior players. Now, they will have to push harder for a spot in the senior squad,” he said in an interview with the MFL.
“I believe that players aged around 18-20 should already be close to breaking into the first team rather than playing in the MFL Cup.
“I think Perak are one of the teams that have promoted many players from the MFL Cup, and we can see that most of them are already 24 years old this season.
“So, I support the decision to discontinue the MFL Cup because we want players to be more competitive and break into the first team as quickly as possible.”
The MFL confirmed that the MFL Cup would not be contested in the 2025-2026 season after the league partners unanimously agreed to abolish the Under-23 competition during a meeting on Feb 19.
Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali echoed Yusri’s sentiments.
“I see this from a positive perspective. Firstly, this provides an opportunity for our young players to be promoted directly into the first team in the Super League,” said Badrul.
“This is also something we have been practising in Terengganu, where we bring several young players into the senior squad.
“So I hope our young players, especially local talents, will take this opportunity to gain more experience with the senior team.
‘’Those who have played in the MFL Cup before will now continue their development in the Super League.”
