Coach Kim unexpectedly aims to lead Malaysia to qualify for the World Cup

Malaysia Football Association's Technical Director, Mr. Kim Swee, stated that the revamped framework of the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) is focused on securing a spot in the World Cup.

Mr. Datuk Ong Kim Swee declared that the new structure of Malaysia’s National Football Development Programme (NFDP) will aim to achieve qualification for the World Cup. The newly appointed technical director of NFDP explained that the entire development pathway, from under-13 to under-17 age groups, will now follow a unified direction. "To qualify for the World Cup," Kim Swee replied without hesitation when asked about the core goal of the NFDP.

"Every coach here is aware that our objective is to qualify for the World Cup. But you cannot expect me to accomplish that in just one or two years. If it happens, it will be a bonus. First, we focus on qualifying for the Asian Cup… but the ultimate goal is definitely the World Cup."

His statement came after the Malaysia Football Association announced a comprehensive overhaul of the National Youth Football Development Programme (NFDP) at the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) in Gambang, bringing the entire country’s youth football development plan under the control of this national body.

The restructuring includes new age-group coaching teams, leadership in coach training and talent scouting, along with a stronger emphasis on long-term development.

FAM stated in a release on Sunday: "Technically, the NFDP is now managed by the national body, with Mr. Kim Swee appointed as the new technical director of NFDP, while Datuk Dollah Salleh will serve as the assistant technical director."

A complete restructuring of AMD’s coaching setup was announced, with Hassan Sazali Waras (U13), Rusdi Suparman (U14), P. Maniam (U15), Shukor Adan (U16), and Noor Zaidi Rohmat (U17) appointed as head coaches. They are supported by dedicated assistant coaches and goalkeeping staff.

Kim Swee said this new coaching team is the strongest he has ever had, not because of financial resources, but because of their commitment.

"With the current budget, it is difficult to attract top coaches, but these individuals are willing to come. The issue is not about employment but ensuring our development program and academy are recognized once again as among the best."

"Our goal is the World Cup. That is what we are aiming for, and every decision, every coach, every player in this program is focused on that goal. This is not just about today or tomorrow. It’s about building a generation capable of competing with the best in the world," Kim Swee said.