KUALA LUMPUR − The Malaysian Football Association (FAM) has denied allegations of politics within the local football industry leading to a lack of opportunities for Orang Asli football players.
“People can say anything they want about football, but they don’t really know what the procedures are,” FAM president, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, told The Vibes.
“It is wrong for people to have the opinion that politics is involved.”
He also stated that FAM is open to suggestions, saying: “If you think you have the best idea on how to put in more players from the Orang Asli community, then, by all means, come up to me.”
Hamidin asserted that FAM has been acting in accordance with the National Football Development Plan (NFDP) and added that state football management have their own scouting programmes to identify talents at the school level.
He also recalled instances where there were Orang Asli players on the national football team despite it being “very minimal” in comparison to other communities.
Hamidin’s dismissal of the matter rings hollow, especially when indigenous football players have come forward to confirm the systemic struggles they have endured throughout their careers.
“It is difficult for East Malaysians to attend the national team selection sessions, and when we do get the opportunity, we have to compete against Peninsular players, who far outnumber us,” said Sarawak United player, Alphonsus Joseph Willie.
“As a Sarawakian trying to get on the national team, I have to work extra hard to convince people of my capabilities.
“Indigenous players definitely have the talent to go far, but they have no avenue to sharpen their skills,” said the footballer from Mukah, adding that this problem can be attributed to the insufficiency of experienced coaches in Sarawak.
Alphonsus also alluded to a common yet “unfair” norm within the football industry, where players must have the right “connections” with people in authority to advance their club ranks.
Former Under-19 Sarawak United player, David Sepetok, echoed Alphonsus’ sentiments, stating that club officials should take the initiative to employ capable coaches with the ability to nurture talent.
“Since management appointees are neither former footballers nor have a background in school sports, their judgement is flawed during the selection process,” he claimed.
Despite the apparent inadequacies in Sarawak’s football team management, David credits them for their talent scouting efforts, especially when he was competing in the 2019 President Cup in Kuching.
Both footballers emphasised that individual players must remain steadfast in the face of adversity and cultivate a drive to succeed regardless of challenges and obstacles in their way.
Their passion for the game in defiance of all odds is supported by Miri Vocational College lecturer and football development coach, Mohamad Hakimi Man.
“Players from rural areas must be brave enough to leave their hometown behind if they wish to pursue a career in football,” he said, adding that a dedicated platform for indigenous players would help increase Orang Asli participation.
“The scouting department is an important part of a football team as they are in charge of recognising potential, which is integral to the team’s development as a whole,” Hakimi said, further noting that younger players should be scouted to ease training processes.
He added that scouters need to know what to look out for when identifying potential talent, and be knowledgeable on key aspects, such as tactical awareness, physical conditioning and temperament management. − The Vibes, October 22, 2021
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