PETALING JAYA, Sept 6 — Thailand FA (FAT) insist the team competing in the Merdeka tournament starting in Kuantan tomorrow are representing the nation.
In a press statement issued yesterday, FAT president Worawi Makudi said the players were selected from the recent national championship and would carry Thailand’s hopes in the tournament.
“We count ourselves as serious contenders for the Merdeka title.”
Mailsport, in its August 30 report “Merdeka Cup Thai poser”, had revealed that 16 players in the Thai team were from Division 2 southern region league club Narathiwat FC while the rest comprised players from Muangthong FC and Police teams.
This was confirmed after FAM emailed the team list of tournament participants on Wednesday. The Thais have registered players between the ages of 20 and 31, with 16 of them from Narathiwat, two players each from Muangthong United and Insee Police.
Head coach is Kairung Threejagsang. For the record, former international Kiatisuk Senamuang is the Under-23 coach while Kairung is his assistant.
Kelantan had planned to play Narathiwat FC in a friendly in Kota Baru next Tuesday. However, the Red Warriors were informed that the Narathiwat players would be playing in a “four-nation tournament” in Kuantan. Kelantan will now play another southern Thai team, Yala FC.
Malaysia, Singapore and Myanmar will feature their Under-23 squads in the Merdeka tournament.
Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee said he would focus on his players’ performance in the tournament.
“What to do?” he said when told Thailand were not sending their Under-23 team.
“One must remember this is an avenue for us to gear for the SEA Games. Of course, we want to win (Merdeka) but if we win here and lose in the SEA Games, it is of no use. Our main objective is in Myanmar.”
Kim Swee said Singapore and Myanmar were their biggest threats in the Merdeka tournament.
Malaysia play Singapore in the curtainraiser at Darulmakmur Stadium tomorrow (kickoff 5.30pm).
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