OFFICIAL: Malaysia national team announces new head coach

Tan Cheng Hoe has been named interim head coach of the Malaysian national team by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), succeeding Peter Cklamovski.

After a period of transition on the coaching bench, the Malaysian national team has officially confirmed its new captain. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced the appointment of Tan Cheng Hoe as interim head coach of the national team, replacing Mr. Peter Cklamovski. This decision is expected to bring fresh energy to Harimau Malaya in the upcoming campaigns.

According to FAM, the choice of Tan Cheng Hoe was based on his extensive experience, proven track record, and deep understanding of Malaysian football. The 58-year-old manager is regarded as one of the most seasoned local strategists in the country, having held multiple key positions within the national team system for nearly two decades.

Tan Cheng Hoe began his coaching career at the youth level, serving as an assistant for Malaysia U20 from 2005 to 2009, before moving on to work with the U23 squad. He was later promoted to the senior national team as an assistant coach and contributed to memorable successes in Malaysian football, most notably the 2010 AFF Cup title and the 2009 SEA Games gold medal while serving under head coach K. Rajagobal.

Tan Cheng Hoe's reputation was further cemented when he was appointed head coach of the Malaysian national team from late 2017 to 2021. Under his leadership, Harimau Malaya reached the 2018 AFF Cup final and finished as regional runners-up, which remains one of the most notable achievements of Malaysian football in recent years.

Beyond success at the national team level, Tan Cheng Hoe also made a significant impact on the domestic scene. He guided Kedah to the Malaysia Premier League title in 2015, the Malaysia Cup in 2016, and the Malaysia Super Cup in 2017. He later coached Selangor before moving to Thailand to work with Police Tero FC. In April 2025, he returned to FAM as the Technical Director of the national team.

The fact that Tan Cheng Hoe has returned to the coaching bench of the Malaysian national team demonstrates that FAM is placing its trust in an experienced figure who thoroughly understands the nation's football identity. As Harimau Malaya aims to elevate its standing in Asia and maintain competitiveness in Southeast Asia, the comeback of Tan Cheng Hoe is expected to open a new chapter for the Malaysian national team.