Tigers in the Lion's den

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S-League stint may not benefit national team

PETALING JAYA: Will Harimau Muda benefit from playing in the Singapore League?

That seems to be the question as efforts are being made by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to ensure Ong Kim Swee's lads play in Singapore next season.

In return, Singapore's Young Lions will compete in the Super League.

The Singaporeans seem to have the better deal. It is widely acknowledged the Malaysian Super League — despite its shortcomings — is more competitive than the S-League.

Apparently, FAM and the Singapore FA have held several meetings as both FAs look to collaborate on several other matters as well.

It was also learnt the number of teams competing in next year's Super League would be maintained at 14. However, a decision will only be made when the FAM exco meet next month.

The Harimau Muda lads are one step closer to realising the nation's dream of featuring in the Olympics, again. Malaysia qualified twice — 1972 Munich Olympics and 1980 Moscow Olympics. However, Malaysia joined the US-led boycott of the Moscow Games.

Harimau Muda managed a 2-1 win over Lebanon in Round 2 of the pre-Olympic qualifiers recently.

The final round will be held between September and March next year. As such, would the S-League be suitable?

Most importantly, was Kim Swee consulted?

Shouldn't the players spend more time playing quality international matches abroad?

Kim Swee would surely want to take time off from the league and rethink his tactics in anticipation of the qualifiers.

He would also like to scout for new faces to fit into the team.

"I've heard about (us) playing in Singapore but nothing's been confirmed," said Kim Swee.

He, however, didn’t want to comment further for obvious reasons.

FAM deputy president and competition committee chairman Datuk Hamidin Amin also chose to keep mum.

"The exco have not decided on this yet," he said.

But, we should not look down on Singapore and other neighbouring countries just because we won the 2009 Sea Games title and Asean Cup last year. History has shown we tend to get complacent.

We should also learn to consult the people who matter and ensure decisions made by policy-makers would solely benefit Malaysian football, and nothing else.