Time to go abroad?

Time to go abroad?

The moment the final whistle blew the sign of victory for Malaysia, one question popped up in my head. Where do we go from this? What is going to be our pathway. We can't stay in this gruesome dreamland forever. There has to be continuity of progresion.

I thought of what our next aim should be. World Cup? NO. Winning the Asian Cup? NO. Qualifying for the Asian Cup? YES! Exactly! That is what we should all be aiming for. I know that we should always aim to dream big but we should also insert some elements of realisticness into it as well. Come on. We can conquer the Asia at this level. More progress is needed.

So, the question that pops up is how do achieve the progress needed to go up a level. I believe that there is a way. We have the skills. We have the determination. We have the age on our side too. Now its time we put in our players to battle the top players week in week out. Its time for them to go up a level and compete with thes best in Asia. Its not easy to increase the standards of our league in a short time.

Thats why i believe its time our players leave the country and play for a league abroad. Why do i say so? Because, the leagues in European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia are all competetive and they play high quality football. Yes, we have sent the youth team for a couple of stints in Slovakia but believe me when i say, 'friendly games' aren't really competetive matches. Players like Safee Sali can definitely improve his game standards and learn how to cope when we face opposition with higher physical strength.

Our defenders earned lots of praise from people of all walks of life for their brave performances but can they maintain that same level when they face stronger Asian teams like Japan or South Korea who are both physically stronger. Experience will help. Thats the reason why all these young players should seize their chances when they get an opportunity to play overseas.

yes, not all of them will get overseas offers. What i am saying here is, those players who get, should really go and give it a shot. And they must eliminate this homesick feelings and stuff. Always remeber that you are carriyiong the whola nation's trust and hope on your shoulders and it will drive you towards success.

Last but not least, do not think of past overseas stints that ended in failure like Akhmal Rizal, but plan and write the future that is looking really really bright for our Malaysian Football.

Play with heart, Win with style.

Cheers,
Keeshaanan Sundaresan