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New CEO Friend vows to revive Harimau Malaya’s Glory | Scoop
Friend officially started his duties at Wisma FAM yesterday. — FAM pic, January 16, 2025
Sports

New CEO Friend vows to revive Harimau Malaya’s Glory

Robert Friend vows to create a lasting legacy for Malaysia’s national football team, focusing on long-term growth and aiming for World Cup success

Bernama
Updated
4:38 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Newly appointed national football team CEO Robert Friend has expressed his ambition to create a lasting legacy for Harimau Malaya, prioritising sustainable success over short-term achievements. 

Friend, who officially started his duties at Wisma FAM yesterday, described Harimau Malaya as a “sleeping giant” and highlighted the potential already present within the team. He is eager to build on the existing foundation to elevate Malaysian football to new heights.  

However, the former Canadian international voiced his curiosity over the team’s current FIFA world ranking of 132 and the youth team’s failure to qualify for the Asian Cup.  

“I am still in the discovery phase. We need to understand the reasons (behind these challenges). From there, we can start building plans and strategies to achieve sustainable, long-term progress,” he said in a video shared on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) social media.  

Friend emphasised the importance of laying a solid foundation, comparing it to constructing a house.

“If you don’t build the foundation, it won’t last. I’m here to find answers and work with all stakeholders to create a successful football team. My dream is to see Malaysia in the World Cup one day.”  

He acknowledged the significance of short-, medium-, and long-term goals, noting that the upcoming 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Nepal on March 25 will be crucial for building momentum.  

The 44-year-old believes a positive result in that match could serve as a catalyst for Harimau Malaya’s future successes.  

Friend, who has extensive experience in football management and administration since retiring as a player in 2014, credited his decision to join the team to the vision and leadership of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.  

He also expressed confidence in the synergy between himself, national head coach Peter Cklamovski, and head of high performance and sports medicine Dr Craig Duncan, stating that their combined expertise could lead Harimau Malaya to greater heights. — January 16, 2025

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