KUALA LUMPUR — Tan Cheng Hoe will officially begin his duties as the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) new technical director during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, the national football body confirmed today.
The announcement also marks the impending transition of current technical director Scott O’Donell, who will assume a similar role at the Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD). His move follows the resignation of Oscar Gonzalez in February.
This development confirms a Scoop report published on April 15, which indicated that the 56-year-old Kedah native—who previously managed the national team from 2018 to 2022—was set to return, with confirmation to follow via FAM’s official channels.
Speaking at FAM’s Hari Raya open house today, president Datuk Joehari Mohd Ayub said Cheng Hoe’s appointment was endorsed by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, following the conclusion of his contract with Thai club Police Tero.
“Cheng Hoe is among the finest coaches in the country and has earned this position on merit, especially given his achievements over the years,” said Joehari.
“We have full confidence that he will be able to work effectively with national head coach Peter Cklamovski and his coaching team to lead Harimau Malaya to success.
“He was also recommended by Tuanku, and as we all know, Tuanku understands what is best for the national team.
“Cheng Hoe will officially begin his duties during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers match against Vietnam,” said Joehari when met at Wisma FAM.
Before his stint in Thailand, Cheng Hoe managed Selangor FC from 2022 until March last year. — April 23, 2025