Serbegeth Singh, who was a former player for Malaysia and is currently a football analyst on television, believes that Safee Sali has what it takes to be captain of the national team.
Shebby, as he is commonly known as, said the striker has an incredible amount of experience with the Harimau Malaysia squad as well as his club Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT), which will allow him to hold the responsibility to motivate and guide his other teammates.
“I was surprised to witness the retirement of the four players from the national team, but I think that Safee Sali has the potential to wear the armband,” Shebby told Harian Metro.
“He may be 32 years old, but he has the drive and hunger to lead his country further on.
“I believe Ong Kim Swee will make the right decision and Malaysia will benefit from it.”
Safee Sali became a household name in 2010 after he was called up to the national squad by ex-head coach Datuk K. Rajagopal for the AFF Suzuki Cup in Indonesia and Vietnam. He was the tournament’s top goalscorer with five goals and was instrumental in Malaysia’s AFF Suzuki Cup triumph after scoring three goals in the two-legged final against Indonesia.
He was then signed by Indonesian Super League team Pelita Jaya, who agreed to pay him a handsome amount of salary. He was also offered to go on a trial with Cardiff City, but unfortunately failed to make the cut. The Kuala Lumpur-born player spent his professional career with the likes of Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Selangor before moving down south.
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