PETALING JAYA: National interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe has found the attacking spark he was searching for, with FIFA clearing naturalised Brazilian Bergson da Silva to turn out for Malaysia at the Asean Cup.
The 35-year-old Da Silva, who plays for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), was cleared alongside club-mate Brad Tapp, 25, to play in the tournament from Sept 24-Oct 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group A of Division One alongside regional rivals Indonesia and Singapore, as well as invited South Asian side Bangladesh.
Only the group winners advance directly to the final, while the runners-up from each group face off in a third-fourth playoff.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that the world governing body had completed their review of both players’ eligibility and given them the green light under FIFA’s rules and provisions.
Cheng Hoe hopes Da Silva’s presence will add power in the attack.
“I’m happy with FAM’s clearance to allow Bergson and Tapp for the FIFA calendar date. Malaysians are excited about the news,” said Cheng Hoe.
“We lack a goal poacher, so hopefully Bergson can solve that problem.
“He needs to play as a team player and gel with the others, but having spent a long time in Malaysia, integrating into the national team won’t be a problem for him.”
On Tapp, the coach added: “He will bring stability in defence with his physical presence. He is new to our league, so we will see how he adapts, but he gives us added strength.”
Cheng Hoe said the fresh additions would strengthen his options across the board.
“I hope they will bring a breath of fresh air to the national team.”
However, the fate of two other JDT players who have been naturalised - Argentinian winger Manuel Hidalgo and Australian centreback Shane Lowry - remains unresolved, with FIFA still verifying their eligibility.
FAM said they were awaiting an official decision on both and will continue cooperating fully with FIFA, including submitting all necessary information and documents required for the review.
Further updates are expected once FAM receive official confirmation.
“Hidalgo brings added strength to the team because of his technical ability and speed,” said Cheng Hoe.
“However, Shane has a hamstring problem and will miss this international window. The rest of the players should be ready.”
On finalising his roster, the coach said: “So far, we have almost finalised the squad. Over the next one or two days, we will wait to see the status of Hidalgo. We have two to three players from the recent Hyundai AFF Cup squad, while the rest will be the regular core.
“Bergson and Bradley are in, and hopefully Hidalgo as well. With ongoing league matches, we maintain a standby and long list because we need to ensure we have enough player options available.”
Kuala Lumpur and national team striker Paulo Josue backed the call-ups, saying Da Silva’s form domestically made him a natural fit for the squad.
“Bergson has been one of the best players since he started playing in Malaysia. So, I think he is a good addition to the national team, along with the other players from JDT,” said the 37-year-old.
“Of course, with Arif Aiman (Hanapi), Bergson and Faisal (Halim), it is a very formidable combination.
“Now, I might be happy sitting on the bench and giving them my support,” he added.
