National team head coach Dollah Salleh has defended his decision to include S. Kumaahran in the national squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Football Association of Malaysia unveiled the squad list yesterday, and Kumaahran’s inclusion raised a few eyebrows, considering that he’s merely 19 years-old. But as far as Dollah is concerned, his age doesn’t matter.
“I think Kumaahran has tremendous potential, it’s just that he lacks confidence on the pitch,” Dollah told Harian Metro. “But I don’t think it’s an overstatement to suggest that Kumaahran is Malaysia’s future.”
The 51 year-old then went on to heap praises on another youngster that was handed a call-up – Perak’s Idris Ahmad.
“Even Idris is another player who deserves a shot in the national team. He’s formed a formidable partnership with Thiago and their record with Perak is pretty impressive, if you look at it,” he added.
S. Kumaahran was handed an appearance when the Malaysian XI squad took on Liverpool last July. He came on as a 75th minute substitute for Chad Souza, in the game which eventually ended 1-1.
Before their ties against UAE and Saudi Arabia, Malaysia will first take on Bangladesh in a friendly match that’s scheduled to take place on the 29th of August at the Shah Alam Stadium.
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