Time for a new challenge, says ex-Harimau Malaya head coach

PETALING JAYA: Peter Cklamovski says he decided to end his tenure as Harimau Malaya head coach as it was time for him to take on a new challenge.

The Australian nonetheless said that Malaysian football has huge potential, adding that the passion of supporters, talent of players, and love for the game must be protected.

“My hope is that Malaysian football continues to grow, with decisions always guided by what is best for the game, the players, and the future of the nation.

“Thank you for the memories, the support, and the privilege. I leave wishing nothing but success for Malaysian football,” he said in a statement.

Now-former under-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain meanwhile said that stepping down from the role was a difficult decision as the team was close to his heart.

He expressed confidence that the team would continue to develop and achieve success given the talent and potential of the young players.

“Thank you to all who were involved in my career, especially the management, support staff, players, and supporters who always gave me their undivided support,” he said.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced a slew of departures of top Harimau Malaya officials today, including Cklamovski and the national team’s CEO, Robert Douglas Friend.

Friend became the CEO of Harimau Malaya on Jan 1, 2025, filling the position created to manage the national team. Cklamovski was appointed head coach on the same date.

Upon his appointment, FAM said it wanted Cklamovski to take Malaysia into the top 100 in the Fifa rankings. Malaysia was 132nd then, and is now ranked 136th.

While their appointments were part of a restructuring in the management of Harimau Malaya, FAM had denied that this was a privatisation of the team’s management.