More choices for Kim Swee with additional 6 players in Harimau Malaya

Harimau Malaya interim chief coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee now has a larger pool of players to choose from with the addition of six, singled out of the waiting list for the team's match against Palestine.

The two teams would thrash it out in the Group A of the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asia Cup qualifiers at the King Hussein Sports City Stadium in Amman, Jordan on Nov 12.

Three of the new additions are Azrif Nasrulhaq Badrul Hisham of Selangor, Redzuan Suhaidi (Penang) and Muhammad Fazly Mazlan from the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) club.

The other three who were picked by the Melaka-born coach were Harimau Muda B striker Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim, Ronny Harun (Sarawak) and Kelantan striker Ahmad Fakri Saarani.

Kim Swee said the six who are replacing mostly injured players have their respective edge to help the squad achieve a positive outcome in the match.

"I think they are qualified to fill the void (left by the other six players) and I'm confident they can help the national squad with their experience," he told Bernama when met at KLIA here Friday night before departing for Jordan.

Kim Swee said the five days prior to the match would be for the tired players to rest and recuperate after playing in the Malaysia Cup, besides focusing on the tactical aspect.

He said he would re-include certain players that he had earlier benched, for Malaysia's qualifying match against United Arab Emirates at the Shah Alam Stadium on Nov 17.

The coach cited Kedah midfielder Baddrol Bakhtiar and Pahang striker Azamuddin Mohd Akil as among the players, well as veteran national striker Mohd Safee Sali who would miss the action against Palestine due to suspension.

Meanwhile, several players met by Bernama also vowed to perform their best if given the opportunity to play against Palestine.

JDT winger, S. Chanturu, 27, said he was prepared to help the national squad win against Palestine even though it meant forgoing his Deepavali holiday on Nov 10.

"It has become almost the norm for me as a footballer not to return to my hometown in Kulim, Kedah for the celebration.

"Furthermore, this is the first time that I have been called by Kim Swee for the qualifying round action. So I don't have much regret about not being able to celebrate Deepavali," he said.

Muhammad Fazly, 21, shared Chanturu's enthusiasm, promising to exhibit his "best performance" if given the opportunity to play on Nov 12.

"This is my first call-up to the national squad. I really did not expect the coach to shortlist me at the last minute, so I vow to justify his faith in me by performing well," said the Johor-born player.

Redzuan, 20, admitted feeling honoured to be picked for the first time to the national squad and pledged to help the national squad win the match.