KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has today launched the Malaysian Football DNA as a reference for all parties to understand the pattern of the game and playing style in accordance to the national team’s mould.
The Malaysian Football DNA, officially launched by FAM President, Dato’ Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin, is a manifestation of the national football philosophy which includes a uniform coaching system across all age groups, from grassroots to elite.
The Malaysian Football DNA, also known as the “The Malaysian Way” should be a guideline and reference to players, coaches and other coaching staff from the initial stages up to the latter stages. It was launched as part of the closing ceremony for the two-day Technical Directors Summit organised by FAM’s Technical Department.
FAM Deputy President, who is also the Chairman of the FAM Technical and Youth Development Football Committee, Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal, said:
“The study behind this Football DNA is headed by FAM Technical Director, Peter de Roo as early as October 2017 and it covers methods that focus on teamwork ethics, by attacking in an organized fashion and defending as a unit.
“In general, the Malaysian football DNA is a blueprint to all parties on how to play with the same playing style and uniformity, from the youngest age-group to the senior level.
“Our target is to generate players that truly uphold the way of the Malaysian DNA by 2030 in line with the peak of the F:30 Roadmap,” he said.
Meanwhile, de Roo explained that the Malaysian Way can be best seen in the way Tan Cheng Hoe’s squad plays as they move as a team in transition from defence to attack as well as defending as a whole.
“The most successful countries in the world and even in Asia have worked tirelessly over the years to develop their respective Football DNAs which in turn develops their players and their own playing style,” said de Roo.
According to him, the Malaysian Football DNA is key in the development of players and coaches. It will provide a consistent approach and will make it easier for players and coaches at every level to execute it.
“The Malaysian Football DNA will produce more experienced coaches and raise the standards of Malaysian players to greater heights.”
De Roo describes the style of play instilled by the national team under the tutelage of Cheng Hoe as a manifestation of the Malaysian Football DNA – the best example coming from their 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup goal against Thailand; a move that started from the goalkeeper and eight passes later involving seven players in 20 seconds, the move was finished off beautifully by Syahmi Safari.
Earlier, Dato’ Haji Hamidin officiated the launch of the Malaysian Football DNA by signing the book that illuminates the national football philosophy. Also, in attendance were Deputy Chairman of the FAM Technical and Youth Development Football Committee and also an FAM exco member, Dato’ Jefferey Low and FAM General Secretary; Stuart Ramalingam.