New National Football Team Head Coach Named
Australian Peter Cklamovski has been appointed as the new head coach of the Malaysian national football team, effective January 1, 2025. The announcement was made by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), which stated that Cklamovski’s primary mission will be to ensure that Harimau Malaya qualifies for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
About Peter Cklamovski
Cklamovski, 46, made his head coaching debut in Japan with Shimizu S-Pulse in the J-League in 2020. Prior to this, he gained prominence as an assistant coach to Australian football manager and former player Ange Postecoglou, collaborating closely with him during his tenures at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, and with the national team, Socceroos.
Current Challenges
The FAM has also set a goal for Cklamovski to improve the national team’s FIFA rankings with the aim of reaching the top 100. Malaysia is currently ranked 132nd. This presents a significant challenge for the new head coach, as Malaysia has struggled to consistently perform at a high level in international competitions.
Recent Developments
The national team has been in the midst of a restructuring process following the early exit of South Korean Kim Pan Gon in July. Cklamovski takes over from Pau Marti Vicente, who was made acting head coach after Pan Gon’s resignation. Pan Gon’s contract was initially set to expire at the end of 2025, but he resigned in July, citing personal commitments.
Supportive Staff
Cklamovski will have a supportive staff behind him as he takes on his new role. The FAM has also announced the appointment of former Kedah Darul Aman FC head coach Nafuzi Zain as the head coach of the national under-23 squad. This move is intended to provide a pathway for young Malaysian players to progress to the senior national team.
Conclusion
Peter Cklamovski brings a wealth of experience to the role of head coach of the Malaysian national football team. With a clear mission to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup and improve the team’s FIFA rankings, he faces a significant challenge ahead of him. However, with his experience and background in Australian football, Cklamovski is well-equipped to lead the team to success.
FAQs
Q: Who is Peter Cklamovski?
A: Peter Cklamovski is an Australian football coach who has experience as an assistant coach in Japan and Australia.
Q: What is Cklamovski’s first mission as head coach?
A: Cklamovski’s first mission is to ensure that Harimau Malaya qualifies for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Q: What are Cklamovski’s goals for the national team?
A: Cklamovski aims to improve the national team’s FIFA rankings and reach the top 100.