Tuesday, 2 August 2011

Rajagobal to try out new players for national team

After a painful exit from the Asian Zone World Cup Qualifiers, national coach K. Rajagobal now shifts his focus on strengthening his team for next year's AFF Cup and the 2015 Asian Cup. The team were beaten 6-4 on aggregate by causeway rivals Singapore in a two-leg second round tie.

Not to be deterred, the coach will continue with his programme to build a winning side, good enough to retain the AFF Cup and qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup.


"I want to reinvent the team for the Asian Cup. I will be looking at options to strengthen the team," said Rajagobal yesterday.

 
"We need to keep the players, especially the seniors, competitive by having as many quality matches as possible.

"Like I said before, the Asian Cup is my target. Of course, the AFF Cup is equally important."


Rajagobal has called up 25 players for a 13-day training camp, where two friendly matches have been scheduled.

The team travel to Muscat for a friendly against Oman on Aug 10 before facing either Thailand or Indonesia a few days later.

"It is important that I tap new players from the league to try them out in international matches."


Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Norazlan Ramli and Terengganu midfielder Joseph Kalang Tie are the two uncapped players in the training squad.

Those making a return are Farizal Marlias (goalkeeper), Norhafiz Zamani Misbah, Mohd Faizal Mohamad (defenders) and Khyril Muhymeen Zamri.

The notable absentees are goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, defenders Mahalli Jasuli, Muslim Ahmad and Fadhli Shas, midfielder K. Gurusamy and strikers Ahmad Fakri Saarani and Izzaq Faris Ramlan, who are joining up with their national Under-23 counterparts in Slovakia tomorrow.

The Squad -- Goalkeepers: Farizal Marlias (Neg), Sharbinee Allawee (Ter), Norazlan Razali (KL).

Defenders: Mohd Azmi Muslim (Ked), Asraruddin Putra Omar (Sel), Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (Neg), Helmi Remeli (Ter), Farisham Ismail, Rizal Fahmi Ab. Rosid (Kel), Shahrom Abdul Kalam (KL), Mohd Faizal Muhamad (Tigers A).

Midfielders: Amar Rohidan, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Khyril Muhymeen Zamri (Ked), Amirulhadi Zainal, Safiq Rahim (Sel), S. Kunanlan, Ashaari Samsudin (Neg), Ismail Faruqi Ashari, Joseph Kalang Tie (Ter), Shakir Shaari (Kel).

Strikers: Abdul Hadi Yahaya (Ter), S. Chanturu (Kel), Shahrizal Mohd Saad (Joh FC), Safee Mohd Sali (Pelita Jaya).

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