[UPDATED] Kim Pan-gon appointed as Harimau Malaya head coach

KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has unveiled South Korea’s Kim Pan-gon as the new head coach for the national team.

This was announced by FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin at a press conference at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya today.

The 52-year-old is expected to arrive in Malaysia along with his coaching staff in February.

Kim will be replacing Tan Cheng Hoe after he left the post, following Harimau Malaya’s disappointing exit from the AFF Suzuki Cup quarterfinals, losing against Vietnam last year.

“We made this decision after considering many factors and came to the conclusion that Kim is the best fit at this time for the team.”

Meanwhile, on Kim’s targets, Hamidin said: “We have to give him and his coaching staff some time to get adjusted to the team.

“But with Kim coming on board, we think he will be able to help us improve and reach success on the Asian and Asean level.”

Kim previously held the position of head coach for the Hong Kong national team from 2012 to 2017.

Following that, he was appointed by the Korean Football Association as the chief of South Korea’s national team supervisory committee.  

“Kim’s good grasp of English would make communication with staff here much easier, as well as his knowledge of football culture in Asia and Southeast Asia,” said Hamidin.

Kim has agreed to a two-year contract with a two-year extension with Harimau Malaya. – The Vibes, January 21, 2022