FAM shortlists Rajagopal for Laos task

K. RAJAGOPAL has led a somewhat charmed life in the corridors of the FA
of Malaysia but one suspects his end is near.
 As expected, the FAM's technical committee has decided to recommend to
the council that Rajagopal, currently in charge of the national Under-19
squad, be given the Under-23 squad.
 He is also expected to be the interim national team coach as FAM has,
despite having shortlisted three candidates, decided to advertise the
post but Rajagopal's fate will be decided by the Under-23 squad's
performance in the Laos Sea Games in December.
 FAM is targetting gold as it believes Rajagopal will have a strong
squad at his disposal.
 "The coach will have 16 players from the previous squad and some
players from Young Tigers (Under-19) are also expected to make the grade.
Therefore, the target remains as previously decided, which is a gold
medal," said FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad after
chairing the five-hour technical committee meeting yesterday.
 Rajagopal will be assisted by former international Khan Hung Meng while
Ong Kim Swee, the current national Under-18 coach, will take over the
Young Tigers, who currently lead the Premier League.
 Redzuan said FAM is determined to have a strong squad for the Laos Sea
Games and that is why (National Sports Institute director general) Datuk
Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz has been included in the technical committee. We
don't want the players to lack anything."
 There is also a strong possibility that FAM will defer naming a coach
for the senior team given the fact that there aren't any major
international assignments this year.
 Although Malaysia are still involved in the 2011 Asian Cup qualifier,
the 5-0 thrashing by the United Arab Emirates means the campaign is
virtually over and Rajagopal may be asked to blood the Under-23 squad,
with the inclusion of several seniors, for the remaining matches and the
friendly against English champions Manchester United in July.
 Redzuan also virtually confirmed that the national coach will be a
local.
 "We have shortlisted three candidates (from 12 who applied) and we will
continue to advertise the position and see whether there are any more
applications. However, the FAM exco will decide soon and he will be a
local coach."
 That makes sense, considering FAM's financial standing.
 A local may cost FAM RM20,000 a month but a foreigner will expect
between RM50,000 and RM70,000, which FAM can't afford.
 Redzuan said the coaching teams at the Bukit Jalil and Bandar Penawar
Sports Schools have been revamped while former Asian Football
Confederation (AFC) technical director Lim Kim Chon has been appointed as
FAM's youth director. Kim Chon was chosen ahead of Khaidir Buyong and
Mustakim Omar.