KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian football is in safe hands under the care of Spaniard Pau Marti Vicente.
This assurance was given by national football player Syamer Kutty Abba, who is equally excited to play under Vicente as he was under former head coach Kim Pan-gon.
On Tuesday, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) held a surprise press conference announcing the resignation of the 55-year-old South Korean, citing personal commitments as the reason for his decision.
Vicente will be the acting head coach of the national team with immediate effect. His first task will be the Pestabola Merdeka, scheduled during the upcoming FIFA International match calendar from September 2 to September 10 at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil.
Many thought Pan-gon’s support staff would also leave with him, but FAM confirmed that Pan-gon would be the only one departing.
The new coach will be assisted by E. Elavarasan, with the South Korean crew of Park Bo-bae (assistant coach), Cho Jun-ho (goalkeeper coach), Park Ji-hyeon (fitness coach), Lim Jae-hin, and Lee Je-yeon (performance analysts) staying on.
Vicente has been the assistant head coach for the Hong Kong football team (2012-2013), Adelaide United FC (2013-2017), and the assistant head coach for the Barcelona under-18 team (2017-2022).
Speaking to Scoop, Syamer, who has made a total of 84 appearances for the country at all levels, said that local football fans have nothing to worry about as Vicente follows the same system as his predecessor.
“First and foremost, it’s very shocking news for the entire country and the team. Pan-gon has done a lot for Malaysian football, and he understands the pulse of all the players.
“But our national team is in safe hands, and we have nothing to worry about. Coach Vicente has been with Pan-gon for many years, and he follows the same system as Pan-gon.
“Vicente is also knowledgeable, and his track record speaks for itself. Whenever I get a call-up, I’m always excited to don the iconic black and yellow jersey.
“My excitement to play for Harimau Malaya will never drop, and I’m ready to give my 100% for the country if I receive any call-up from coach Vicente,” said Syamer when contacted.
At the same time, Syamer, who recently joined Penang FC from Johor Darul Ta’zim, said that he’s determined to stay on Vicente’s radar by giving his best performance for the Black Panthers in the ongoing Super League.
“Now that I’m playing regularly in Penang, I feel more confident than before, and I want to prove myself more to play in both the Pestabola and the upcoming AFF Championship.
“I have never won these tournaments before, and I want to contribute as much as I can to give our best,” Syamer added.
The 26-year-old Syamer, who began his career with the Black Panthers in 2013, returned to the northeast side on loan after making 43 appearances for JDT since his debut in 2018.
Known for his midfield versatility, Syamer has won 14 accolades with JDT. – July 20, 2024