There is a new hope to uplift the current sad state of Malaysian football as former England and Liverpool star Steve McMahon has hinted that he is willing to lend a hand.
McMahon, whose full name is Stephen Joseph McMahon, who is also a coach and television pundit, said he was willing to help to raise the level of football in Malaysia, if given the opportunity.
"Yes, I would like to help, with the plenty of experience I have, of course I can help...But they have national coach (Datuk Ong Kim Swee), we have to respect the national coach," he told Bernama when asked about his interest to coach the national team.
The 55-year-old former midfielder, who was a star in the 80s, explained that though there were a few good coaches in the country, their knowledge on coaching had to be further improved.
"When coaches are average, they are not going to give the youths (players) the best coaching methods...So you need to have a plan on coaching and educating coaches, which we do not have in Malaysia.
"Not to say they are not good enough...They need education and help to raise the standard of football," he said after appearing on Bernama News Channel's (BNC) breakfast show "Bernama Today" at Wisma Bernama here today.
The former Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City legend shared his experience, views on the country's football development as well as his new campaign, the "Million Dollar Feet", a nationwide search for two footballers, aged 11-14 years old to feature in the United Kingdom, in the one hour show.
McMahon further noted that culture was another problem affecting the development of football in the country, which fell to it's worst ever world ranking, to 174th early this year.
"I find that the fundamental in anything is like when you build a house, you do not put the roof on first but you build the foundation that will help support the rest of it.
"There is need to have infrastructure throughout the country and the kids need to start at a young age. They must start at the age of eight, but here they start around at 14 or 15 years, so they do not get full benefits from the development programmes," he said.
McMahon said eating habits, where the players do not get the right amount of nutrition, especially on daily intake of protein and carbohydrates as well as lack of support and awareness from parents were other contributing factors for the poor development of football in Malaysia.
For the record, Malaysia, who are now ranked 158th, just managed to win three matches out of 11 so far this year, including the double 3-0 win against minnows Timor Leste in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying playoff and a 1-2 win against New Caledonia in a friendly, which was later not sanctioned by FIFA due to technical mistakes on the part of the hosts. -- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Oct 14 2016
Former midfielder Stephen Joseph McMahon (pic) explains, although there were a few good coaches in the country, their knowledge on coaching had to be further improved. - AFP PHOTO / File
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.