No problem, say coaches

FINDING SOLUTION: Rajagobal and Kim Swee will work out how best to solve usage of players

   NATIONAL coach K. Rajagobal and youth coach Ong Kim Swee will avoid a clash over the usage of players for their respective assignments.

   The Under-23 team, who are preparing for December's  Myanmar Sea Games, are down to play in the Merdeka Tournament, scheduled on Sept 7-15 in Kuantan, while the seniors are heading to China for a friendly match on Sept 10.

   It is no secret that both coaches have had disagreements in the past but they have settled their disputes amicably and now want to work together for the betterment  of Malaysian football.

   Rajagobal's key performance index is qualifying for the 2015 Asian Games while Kim Swee's target is a gold medal in the Sea Games.

   "We will have to find a solution as both teams have equally important assignments. I understand what Rajagobal is going through and he needs his best players to prepare for the Asian Cup," said Kim Swee yesterday.

   "We will evaluate the concerned players and work out a compromise."

   Among the Under-23 players who are also senior team members are Junior Eldstal, K. Reuben, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor, Gary Steven Robbat, Fadhli Shas, Nik Mohd Shahrul Azmi Zubir Azmi and Nazmi Faiz Mansor.

   Kim Swee hopes to finalise his squad for the Merdeka Tournament after the four rounds of the Malaysia Cup have been completed.

   "I am keeping my options open and will only call up the best available players after reaching a comprise with the senior team.

   "I want to see how everyone performs in the Malaysia Cup," said Kim Swee.

   The former international disclosed that Japan's FC Ryukyu have agreed to release winger Wan Zack Haikal and left-back Nazirul Naim Che Hashim for the tournament.

   "Nazirul Naim is back in Kuala Lumpur to treat a hamstring injury while Wan Zack Haikal will return later," said Kim Swee.

   On whether Nazmi Faiz, who angered officials when he quit Portuguese side Beira-Mar to join Super League club PKNS in March, will be selected for the Merdeka Tournament, Kim Swee said the 18-year-old must impress in the Malaysia Cup.

   Syahid Zaidon and Robbat are expected to return after recovering from injuries while Fandi Othman and Izzaq Faris Ramlan are doubtful.

   Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore make up the four-team Merdeka Tournament.

   It will be the perfect stage for Kim Swee to gauge his regulars against teams who are also bound for the Sea Games.

   "Winning the Merdeka Tournament is our priority but it does not mean we will be favourites in the Sea Games.

   "I want to see how my players adapt to playing in a high level competition," Kim Swee added,

   The Merdeka Tournament, which is making a return after five years, offers a total  purse of US100,000 (RM310,000).

ONG KIM SWEE

K. RAJAGOBAL

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/15/no-problem-say-coaches/