Rajagobal must be given opportunity to bring change to squad — Minister

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KUALA LUMPUR: Head coach Datuk K Rajagobal must be given the opportunity to make improvements and bring about change to Malaysia squad.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it would be unfair to sack the coach as punishment for Malaysia’s exit from AFF Suzuki Cup recently.

“We must remember that it was Rajagobal who restored the people’s faith in the national football squad and enhance the image of the players. However, he must find ways to improve the performance of the national squad,” he said at the wedding of his daughter, Nurkhalida and her partner, Qaiyum Hasnul at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara yesterday.

Among those present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Cabinet ministers, and director-general of National Sports Council, Datuk Zolkples Embong.

Ahmad Shabery reminded that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is responsible for developing the sport in a more comprehensive manner. — Bernama

“FAM must focus on the Malaysian league as we are in category D of AFC (Asian Federation Confederation) compared to Vietnam and Indonesia who are in category B,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zolkples said that players from the national squad who played in AFF Suzuki Cup have the potential to go further.

“I find that the Harimau Muda players excelled during AFF Suzuki Cup. They have a bright future and should be given more training and exposure.” — Bernama