KUALA LUMPUR (14 Jan 2011) – The winners of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 have received a further RM65,000 (USD21,000) from the Malaysian government for their effort in taking the regional silverware for the first time in their history.
The team which received the award from Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was also given a challenge to showcase their strength at the Asian as well as the world level.
Datuk Seri Najib indented that the win at the AFF level was just the beginning and that the players should not be satisfied with victory at the Asean level alone.
In the meantime, Malaysia chief coach K. Rajagobal has set the target of qualifying for a place in the Asian Cup 2015 and to do well at the Olympics.
“I’m happy with the rewards which have been given to the team since we won the AFF Suzuki 2010 last month,” said Rajagobal.
“But as the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pointed out this is just the beginning and that we should chase for bigger victories at the Asian level and also at the Olympics. I promised that I will do my very best to make sure that these aspirations become a reality.
“I also agreed with the Prime Minister that we should not overly reward the players by just winning the title at the regional level. And it is for that reason that these players should aim to do better at the Asian Cup 2015.”
Rajagobal believes the target is achievable with the current crop of players following their fine performances at two regional tournaments – the SEA Games in Laos in 2009 and then the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.
