Business as usual for Harimau Muda despite Australia floods

The strong winds and occasional rain in Gold Coast, Australia has done little to disrupt Harimau Muda A’s training stint there.

As water levels continue to rise in most parts of Queensland and New South Wales, things seem pretty normal where Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee and his lads are based.

Gold Coast is located some 80km away from Queensland’s state capital Brisbane which has been severely hit by the floods.

“Everything is normal today. There’s only really strong winds and as for now, our match today (Tuesday) against Brisbane Lions has been cancelled and we will play them tomorrow instead,” said Kim Swee from Gold Coast.

“In fact the match was called off due to the playing surface which is believed to be unsafe.”

Kim Swee added that flooding in the eastern Australia has been “all over the news”.

“It (floods) is really bad based on the news report. I’m just glad we’re not affected. We’re lucky in that sense.”

The Harimau Muda A squad, who have been in Gold Coast since January 23, are scheduled to play several friendly matches against teams Down Under and will return to Malaysia on February 7.

The stint in Australia is part of their preparation to defend the Sea Games title in Myanmar later this year.

Kim Swee is pleased with the attitude of his lads during their stint there.

“The weather issue aside, we are on the right track. The boys are getting better in terms of moving as a unit with short passes and keeping possession.

“Physically they can match the Aussies as you know Australians are physically strong in every department. It has given us valuable experience thus far,” he added.

The Harimau Muda A will take on Myanmar’s Sea Games squad in a friendly match in Yangon on February 22.