Malaysian interim head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee believes that the increasing trend of mixed heritage players in Malaysia will only help improve the state of football within the country.
The likes of Junior Eldstal, Brendan Gan and Matt Davies have all done exceptionally well since getting integrated into the national set-up, and seven other players – including Eastbourne Borough’s Darren Lok – are looking to push for a move at this stage.
While Ong thinks they have something to contribute, he was also quick to point out that they would have to work hard to earn a slot in the national team.
“Yes, Scott has told me about his efforts in helping Darren get a Malaysian citizenship, but I don’t know about this player’s capabilities in detail,” he told Harian Metro.
“I’m completely opened to having mixed-heritage players in the squad, but that doesn’t mean that all of them will automatically earn a slot. I need to see them play first,” he added.
WHAT DO WE THINK?
It makes complete sense, to be honest. The trend certainly seems to be growing and it’s only a matter of time, before more mixed-heritage boys move up the ladder. But do these boys deserve special recognition for having played in a foreign league? Not necessarily. They’ve got to prove themselves all over again within the local football scene. Should they impress OKS, then they certainly deserve a slot in the national team. Question is though, how do we improve the existing local players?
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