Looks like it’s happening!
Ever since former Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Mario Gomez got appointed as national head coach for the Malaysia football team, many names have been thrown into the picture as to who will be appointed as his assistant.
One of the notable name was Kedah’s head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who was deemed the most likely candidate for the position of national assistant coach.
While his appointment still remains unconfirmed, Tan Cheng Hoe has just confirmed his resignation from Kedah FA today.
Speaking to Berita Harian, Tan Cheng Hoe confessed that he has tendered his resignation to the Kedah Football Association (KFA) last Saturday, but he has not received an answer from the officials.
“I’m still waiting for KFA to get back to me.” said Tan Cheng Hoe, who also bagged the Best Coach award at the Anugerah Bola Sepak Kebangsaan 2016.
Just last night, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president released a statement regarding Tan Cheng Hoe’s possible appointment as assistant head coach for the national team.
The FAM President clarified that he has given Mario Gomez the freedom to pick whoever he wants to work with, with the condition that his assistant coach must be a local.
Mario Gomez has named Tan Cheng Hoe as his favourite candidate — and he regards Cheng Hoe as the best among all the local coaches. However, it is entirely up to Tan Cheng Hoe on whether or not he wants to take up the job.
If Tan Cheng Hoe does take the job (and it sure looks like he wants to), it could take a huge toll on Kedah FA stellar performance, as they’ve been enjoying a great run under Cheng Hoe’s reins.
Kedah remains unbeated in the Super League and the Red Eagles are perched comfortably on top of the table with 18 points.
Tan Cheng Hoe’s departure would inevitably affect Kedah’s impeccable form this season. But perhaps it’s a necessary move for the good of the national team? And who would replace Tan Cheng Hoe?
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan
