KUALA LUMPUR – National footballer Syamer Kutty Abba is confident that newly appointed head coach Peter Cklamovski is the ideal figure to elevate his performance and take his game to the next level with Harimau Malaya.
The 28-year-old Penang-born midfielder’s remarks come after he was named in Cklamovski’s squad for the third round of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on March 25.
Speaking to Scoop, Syamer expressed his hope that Cklamovski would help mould him into a more versatile midfielder by sharing the knowledge he has gained from developing top players such as Carl Valeri.
Valeri is a former Australian defensive midfielder who earned over 50 caps for the Socceroos between 2007 and 2014, including at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The ex-Inter Milan player, who spent a decade in Serie A, also represented Australia’s under-23 side at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
“I’m really excited to work with coach Cklamovski because I believe he can bring out the best in me. If we look at his track record, he has coached several prominent midfielders, including Valeri, whom I admired while growing up watching Asian football.
“I have a solid foundation in my game, but there’s still plenty to improve. I want to win and create moments for the national team under Cklamovski, just as I did under coaches Tan Cheng Hoe, Kim Pan-gon, and Pau Marti Vicente. Whoever I play under, my goal is always to make a positive impact.
“It’s well known that I don’t settle for mediocrity; I always push myself to the edge. I believe that coach Cklamovski can further elevate my overall performance, and I’m excited to try different midfield roles under his guidance.
“This is my eighth year in the senior national team, and I’m grateful to coach Cklamovski for selecting me after observing my performances for Penang FC in the Super League this season. Now, I have to repay his trust by giving 100% and proving my worth on the pitch for Harimau Malaya,” Syamer said when contacted.
In addition to Syamer, Harimau Malaya fans will be eager to see speedy winger Faisal Halim return to the national team after nearly a year-long absence following the acid attack that left him seriously injured.
However, the squad list does not feature any new heritage players, despite earlier speculation of reinforcements for Harimau Malaya.
Several players left out of the 2024 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup campaign have been recalled, including Dion Cools, Natxo Insa, Mohd Afiq Fazail, Romel Morales, Arif Aiman Hanapi, Muhammad Akhyar Abdul Rashid, and Muhammad Safawi Rasid.
Key members of the AFF Cup 2024 squad, such as Paulo Josue, Endrick dos Santos, Muhammad Safwan Mazlan, Muhammad Haqimi Azim Rosli, and Stuart Wilkin, have retained their spots.
Among the new call-ups is Selangor FC defender Ahmad Zikri Mohd Khalili.
Harimau Malaya will undergo an eight-day training camp in Johor Bahru before their opening match against Nepal. – March 15, 2025