Implementation key to Malaysian Football DNA success - B. Sathianathan

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- A systematic implementation mechanism, along with close and proper monitoring, must be injected into Malaysian football as part of its DNA, Malaysian Football Coaches Association (MFCA) president, B. Sathianathan said today. 

The seasoned 61-year-old coach acknowledged that efforts to create a DNA to understand and guide local football was a correct and wise decision. 

However, his concerns were geared more towards the weaknesses in the current system which he says could have a bearing in youth players’ interest for the game in the long run.

"Whether there is DNA or not, without enough youth players at grassroots level, coupled with the lack of competitive matches and training hours, any kind of DNA will not help solve the problem. 

“The effort to create it (DNA) is good but what is important is that it should not only be on paper, but the implementation must cover a whole range of aspects that will be good for youth development,” he told Bernama when contacted today. 

Yesterday, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) launched the Malaysian Football DNA as a reference for all parties to understand the pattern of the game and playing style in accordance with the national team’s mould.

Known as “The Malaysian Way”, the blueprint is a manifesto of the national football philosophy which includes a uniform coaching system across all age groups from grassroots to the elite level.

Commenting further, Sathianathan cited Germany and Japan as footballing nations that placed strong emphasis on implementation.

“Germany and Japan also have their own DNA but the important difference is that over there, there is a system where players have access to all the facilities that they need. When there are adequate facilities, players will be motivated,” Sathianathan, who is also Selangor coach, said. 

-- BERNAMA