No Distinction Between First and Second Teams in ASEAN Cup
Former Harimau Malaya squad head coach Datuk Dollah Salleh believes that there is no distinction between first and second teams when it comes to the squad representing the country at the 2024 ASEAN Cup competition starting December 8.
No Room for Excuses
Dollah emphasized that the players under the management of Pau Marti Vicente, which features a blend of senior and junior players, should put aside the notion of a first or second team and focus on performing well in the competition.
"I think there is no difference even though some people say this is the second team. Whoever (the player) is called to play must give all their best as this is a special opportunity for local players," Dollah said at a press conference in conjunction with the Royal Selangor Club-Dato’ Chu Ah Nge International Youth Football Championship in Bukit Kiara.
"You have to prove that you don’t lose and later use it as an excuse by claiming to be the second team. I believe the Harimau Malaya players who played (this time) are the best," he added.
Expectations for a More Intense Competition
Dollah also expects the competition this time to be more intense, with average ASEAN countries showing improvement and quality of play.
"We can’t take it easy anymore, looking at the first time in this group, there was confidence to enter (go far) but now there is no difference in any group, all standards (teams) are more or less the same," said Dollah, who once guided the Harimau Malaya squad to the final in the 2014 edition.
Royal Selangor Club-Dato’ Chu Ah Nge International Youth Football Championship
The 18th edition of the Royal Selangor Club (RSC)-Dato’ Chu Ah Nge International Youth Football Championship will feature 120 teams from six countries, namely Singapore, Brunei, Maldives, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. The youth football competition, which aims to unearth more young talents and polish them to a higher level, will last for three days starting this Friday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Datuk Dollah Salleh’s advice to the Harimau Malaya players is to put aside any notion of a first or second team and focus on performing well in the competition. With a more intense competition expected, the players must be prepared to give their best and prove themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the ASEAN Cup competition?
A: The ASEAN Cup is a prestigious football competition that brings together the best teams from ASEAN countries.
Q: What is the format of the competition?
A: The competition features a group stage followed by a knockout stage, with the winner being crowned the champion.
Q: Who is Datuk Dollah Salleh?
A: Datuk Dollah Salleh is a former Harimau Malaya squad head coach who guided the team to the final in the 2014 edition of the ASEAN Cup.