Rakphol Ends Tenure As National Futsal Head Coach

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- National futsal head coach Rakphol Sainetngam will end his tenure effective today after more than two years in the position.

In a statement today, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said Rakphol, 46, better known as Coach Hamee, is leaving the Harimau Malaya futsal squad to return to his home country, Thailand, after receiving an offer there.

According to FAM, Rakphol showed strong commitment both on and off the court in helping to revitalise the national futsal team throughout his time in Malaysia.

“He successfully guided the Harimau Malaya futsal squad to qualify for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, which will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Jan 27 to Feb 7, after coming through the qualifiers in Kuantan, Pahang in September alongside Iran, eliminating the UAE and Bangladesh.

“He also ensured that Malaysia secured the bronze medal in the men’s futsal event at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand on Dec 19, after his team finished third in the single round-robin standings behind Indonesia and Thailand, and ahead of Vietnam and Myanmar.

“In addition, Rakphol’s influence also saw the Harimau Malaya Under-19 futsal squad under his charge finish third at the 2025 ASEAN Under-19 Futsal Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand, after defeating Vietnam in the third-place playoff on Dec 29, following a semi-final exit on penalties against Thailand,” the statement said.

FAM also expressed its appreciation to Rakphol for his contributions and service to the national team, while wishing him all the best in his future endeavours.

-- BERNAMA