Datuk Ong Kim Swee feels that it is only fair that he released four of the six players who reported for training yesterday.
Three sides – Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Felda United – have requested for their players to be back with the team for their league assignments until the mid-week game next week.
Despite the fact the team have yet to start training for their AFC U23 Championship qualification due to insufficient players, the former international has agreed to discharge the four players today.
“I have to be fair to the clubs. The players will resume their national duty after their mid-week game next week.
“As I have said before, I will find the best alternatives to support both sides and I do understand the clubs’ wishes,” said Kim Swee.
Four players – Adam Nor Azlin (Selangor), Amierul Hakimi Awang (Terengganu), Daniel Amier Norhisham (Felda United) and Irfan Zakaria (Kuala Lumpur) – were discharged temporarily.
While only Selangor’s Syahmi Safari and Perak’s Ahmad Khairil Anuar Zamri – who are currently injured – remained with the squad and currently going through a rehab with ISN.
“It’s important to get them fully recovered especially Ahmad Khairil who hasn’t been playing for a while now,” said the 46-year-old.
As for the friendly with Myanmar – which was initially requested to be deferred to a day later – will resume to it’s original schedule on 13 July at the Shah Alam Stadium at 8.45pm (free admission).
“I plan to give my players the opportunity to play in each half as a warm-up towards the AFC U23.” – BY ALVIN OH
List of the 15 other players who are said to report in batches:
July 7: Arif Fadzillah Abu Bakar (T-Team)
July 8: Syazwan Zaipol Bahari (PKNP)
July 9: Haziq Nadzli, Safawi Rasid (JDT), Syazwan Andik Ishak (JDT II), Adib Zainudin, N. Thanabalan (Felcra).
July 10: Raphi Azizan Mariappen (PJ Rangers)
July 12: Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim, Ariff Farhan Md Isa, Farhan Roslan, Syafiq Ahmad, Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik (Kedah), Tommy Mawat Bada (Sarawak), Danial Ashraf Abdullah (Kelantan).