Cklamovski Stands Firm: Harimau Malaya Coach Shields Squad from "Noise" Ahead of Crucial Nepal Clash

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - The air at the National Football Centre was thick with anticipation, not just for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifier, but with the lingering echoes of a controversy that has shaken Malaysian football. Yet, amidst this storm, Harimau Malaya Head Coach Peter Cklamovski stood resolute on Monday, delivering a message of unwavering focus to both his squad and a scrutinizing nation.

Addressing a packed press conference on the first day of the centralized training camp, Cklamovski faced a barrage of questions regarding the recent FIFA sanctions that have sidelined seven key heritage players for a year. The ruling, stemming from issues with falsified eligibility documents, has ignited a fierce debate across social media and traditional media alike, threatening to derail Malaysia’s promising qualification campaign.

But Cklamovski, typically composed, was emphatic. "For me, it's easy. It's not a problem because all I focus on is what I can control and that's to get today right, to get every day right," he declared, his voice cutting through the tension. "What people say or think is out of my control. My energy is spent entirely on the training pitch, with these players, and on our performance."

His words were a shield, designed to protect his current 27-man squad from the "noise" and external pressures. The coach made it clear that while the loss of talent was significant, the team’s spirit and system remained paramount.

"I am inspired to work every day with the players we've got," Cklamovski affirmed, a hint of pride in his voice. "There's a special energy in this group disciplined, focused, and professional. We don't rely on one player; that's the way we train. Whoever's on the pitch, 11 players will do their job."

He also confirmed that two other familiar faces, Romel Morales (due to a minor injury) and Muhammad Afiq Fazail (for personal reasons), would also miss the camp, further testing the squad's depth.

With Malaysia currently leading Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers, the upcoming match against Nepal on November 18 is not merely another fixture; it's a statement. Cklamovski articulated a clear goal for the remaining international window of 2025. "Our objective remains clear: to make Malaysia proud by the way we play, our football identity, the results we get, and to finish the 2025 international year undefeated playing good football, scoring goals, and keeping clean sheets."

As the squad began their first training session, Cklamovski's message resonated: the off-field battles would remain off-field. The focus, unflinching and absolute, was on the pitch, on the collective, and on the singular ambition of bringing pride back to the Harimau Malaya jersey. The road to the Asian Cup is fraught with challenges, but under Cklamovski's steady hand, Malaysia intends to navigate it by controlling what they can, and by letting their football do the talking.