This is the request and advise from Malaysian head coach Dato’ Ong Kim Swee and also Indonesian assistant coach Bima Sakti for the KL2017 SEA Games Men’s Football Semifinal clash at the Shah Alam Stadium tomorrow night (August 26).
This high profile match between two traditional adversaries is expected to be watched by over 70,000 fans including 10,000 Indonesian. Thus Kim Swee said that any other issues off the field should be kept out to avoid any unwanted incidents during the match.
“Those who are attending the match, should give their support to their respective teams. The match is expected to be an interesting battle and we want everyone from Indonesia and Malaysia to be entertained. So please give us the motivation to play well.”
“Football is not an avenue for us to create enemies or maintain negative influences, so please behave. Get your emotions in check, we do not want any problems prior or post match, that will not be good to anyone,”said Kim Swee.
This was echoed by Bima, “I am sure this is a much awaited match. Malaysia and Indonesia each have their own traditions. Our fans are all very spirited but at the same time, please be disciplined and maintain the goodwill between us as we are fighting in the name of sports and football, not for any other causes.”
IN THE MEANTIME, Thailand’s reputation as the defending champion and 15 times winners did not bother Myanmar as the two teams look to square up for the other semifinal clash at the Selayang Stadium.
Even with the prospect of taking on Worrawoot Srimaka’s boys who had only recently blasted Vietnam 3-0, Myanmar still believe that they have what it takes to stage a surprise and reach the finals for the second time in four years.
“I have seen their matches and I have to admit that they are good. They are the favourite but at this stage all teams are equal.”
“We will stage a fight and will take whatever chances that comes our way,” said Gerd Zeise during the pre-match press conference at PH Hilton here today.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s assistant coach Naruephon Kaenson stressed that they will be fielding their strongest squad to reach the finals for the third time in a row.
