Elavarasan to assist Pan-Gon in leading Harimau Malaya

KUALA LUMPUR − New national head coach Kim Pan-Gon has appointed E. Elavarasan as the new Harimau Malaya assistant coach.

This confirms The Vibes’ earlier article that posited Elavarasan as the front runner for the coveted position.

The former Selangor and Public Bank defender has successfully guided Sarawak United to the 2022 Super League after becoming runners-up in last season’s Premier League.

Pan-Gon believes that the 60-year-old’s familiarity with players and vast experience in local football fulfils his criteria for the position.

“After studying all the candidates, who had been interviewed by FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) technical director Scott O’Donell, I personally met Elavarasan, and I believe, he is the best candidate and the most suitable individual to assist me in providing accurate information and opinions on the team.

“I can see Elavarasan as a committed coach, who is geared up to give his full cooperation in helping us to take Harimau Malaya to a higher level,” said Pan-Gon in a statement today.

Never having been previously involved in a FAM set-up, Elavarasan considers the appointment a huge honour as well as a national duty.

“I see this assignment as a challenge and an opportunity for me to contribute at a national level. I am happy to be part of this new project.

“My hope is that the coaching team can adapt quickly to the head coach’s work ethics and philosophy ahead of a few major tournaments this year.

“I wish to also thank Sarawak United for giving me an early release from my contract and not forgetting the players and the fans, who have given me their full support throughout my tenure at Sarawak United,” he said.

At his inaugural media conference earlier this month, Pan-Gon unveiled his coaching team comprising assistant coach Pau Marti Vicente, goalkeeper coach Cho Jun-Ho, fitness coach Dr. Gokhan Kandemir and performance analyst Lim Jaehun.

Harimau Malaya is set to begin their first centralised training camp on March 14 for two Tier 1 international matches against the Philippines on March 23 and Singapore on March 26.

Both matches will be held in Singapore. – The Vibes, February 23, 2022