Harimau Malaya’s Newcomer Credits Team’s Support for Smooth Transition
ISKANDAR PUTERI, March 26 (Bernama) – Newly eligible heritage player Hector Hevel has credited his teammates and coaching staff for their strong support in helping him settle in quickly following his stellar display in Harimau Malaya’s 2-0 victory over Nepal in their Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group F opener last night.
Teamwork and Communication Key to Success
The 28-year-old Dutch-born midfielder, who made an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal less than a week after joining the squad, acknowledged the team’s camaraderie and communication as key factors in his smooth transition.
"Everyone helped me a lot to adapt when I came here. I arrived only six or seven days before the game. Everybody needs to adapt fast, and you need to speak with your teammates. We communicated a lot on and off the pitch and trained hard," Hevel said at the post-game press conference.
Commitment to Team and Improving
Hevel also praised Malaysia’s footballing ambitions and pledged to play his part in driving the national team forward. He expressed his commitment to giving his best and acknowledged that while this was a strong start, the real test would come against tougher opponents in more challenging matches.
"We need to keep improving. For the next camp, we have to prepare even more," he added.
New Additions to the Squad
The Portuguese club Portimonense S.C. player was one of two new additions to the squad last Wednesday, alongside Spanish-born defender Gabriel Palmero. The duo participated in the team’s training session in Johor Bahru, where Hevel was impressed by Johor Darul Ta’zim’s world-class training facilities and stadium.
Competition Update
Playing before a crowd of 7,895, Hevel fired Malaysia into the lead in the 29th minute before defender Corbin Ong secured the victory with a second goal in the 71st minute. Meanwhile, Vietnam made a commanding start to their campaign, with a resounding 5-0 win over Laos at the Binh Duong Stadium to top Group F by three points, on par with Malaysia in second place.
Upcoming Matches
Harimau Malaya will next host Vietnam on June 10 before traveling to Laos on October 9.
Conclusion
Hector Hevel’s impressive debut and the team’s strong start to their Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign has raised hopes for a successful run in the competition. With continued improvement, hard work, and confidence in their approach, Harimau Malaya can progress further in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Hector Hevel adapt to the team?
A: Hevel credited his teammates and coaching staff for their strong support in helping him settle in quickly.
Q: What is the team’s approach to the competition?
A: The team is committed to improving and preparing harder for their next matches.
Q: What are the upcoming matches for Harimau Malaya?
A: The team will host Vietnam on June 10 and travel to Laos on October 9.