PETALING JAYA: Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski has justified the inclusion of several new faces for their two international friendlies next month.
The national football team will be hosting Singapore on Thursday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, followed by Palestine on Sept 8 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor as part of their preparation for the 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifiers against Laos on Oct 9.
Richard Chin, who plays for Scottish Championship club Raith Rovers, is one of the players named in his 29-man squad.
The others are Sergio Aguero, Suhaimi Husin, and Azam Azmi Murad.
Cklamovski said they would have a chance to evaluate the 22-year-old Richard, who has already been performing well in Scotland.
“Youngster Richard is getting minutes as a substitute at the moment, but the intensity he’s playing and training at is a good standard for us,” said Cklamovski during a press conference at Wisma FAM yesterday.
“It’s an opportunity for him to come in, connect with the national team, and an opportunity for us to look at him.
“He’s a new face whom we can all get excited about. We’ve got eight days together, so we’re looking forward to it.
“He’s got good mobility and technique with the ball. So he could bring the speed of play, which will help us.”
Meanwhile, Cklamovski said Spanish-born midfielder Nacho Mendez had been left out of the team for now due to his physical condition.
“Mendez’s situation is more of a medical scenario that’s in front of us now. His performance has been excellent, and I know he’s excited to play for the national team but not at this camp.
“I am looking forward to working with him and expect him to be available in October.’’
