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"Bro, kita teruk sangat ke sampai penyokong dan juga kelab dan negara teringin nak dapatkan pemain naturalisasi?"
A player told me this recently, and I felt for him. Some of our players think that they are not valued, and will not stand a chance for #HarimauMalaya.
"Bro, kita teruk sangat ke sampai penyokong dan juga kelab dan negara teringin nak dapatkan pemain naturalisasi?"
A player told me this recently, and I felt for him. Some of our players think that they are not valued, and will not stand a chance for #HarimauMalaya.
Yes, naturalised players can strengthen any team, but they must be of quality and value to the club and national team. However, there is a fear that clubs and the country would go overzealous, and it could affect the prospect of the local players. That's a legit worry.
We do not want to see a first eleven filled with naturalised players. If that happens, one can question the development measures that we have taken over the years. We can see some local players playing the game for the sake of it. There's no drive to push boundaries.
Some have even told me, "Kan ada import, mereka yang buat semua." This mindset needs to go away. Our boys need to challenge themselves to be the best and not be swallowed into their comfort zone. I want our local players to be mad that their places are taken.
Our country has immense talent, and I know some boys working their ass off to get into the national team or even their respective clubs. However, when they are quarters going on, on about naturalised players, some tend to get deflated. That is one situation we all want to avoid.
I hope all the clubs in our country would make their bid by believing in local talents and giving them the best facilities and platform to realise their potential. But our players also need to step up. We must throw away the mentality that we have imports to save us. Fight them.
If we want to see our football moving and growing, we need our local talents to have the belief that they can be the best. Sad to say, the environment right now needs to be better. Every one of us must be honest and not live in our own reality. I might be hated for what I say,
But it is a sincere thought. I do not want someone to say that naturalisation has to happen because our locals aren't good enough. Honestly, that's the narrative thrown around these days. Clubs must have the belief, but players also have to realise that they must be the reason
why locals are a force to reckon with, be global, think different. Come out of your cocoons, and also tell yourself that the club and nation would not do everything for you. Never give up before it has even started. Wake up; it's not too late. #HarimauMalaya #Football
