KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17— Introducing the identity of Malaysian football is among the main objectives of the National Football Development Plan undertaken by the Youth and Sports Ministry which is now at the preparatory stage.

Citing the ‘tiki-taka’ (short passing) synonymous with the Spanish team and ‘catenaccio’ (defensive strategy) popularised by Italy, its Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the Malaysian team must have its own identity.

He said the identity would not be limited to pattern of play but also covers character-building and mental strength of the national players.

“This is what we want to apply to the national players from an early age.  Whatever design of play the coach thinks fit, without the right character imbued in the players, we can never be successful.

“We do not want to hear complaints about players not having mental strength and what not,” he said when tabling the road map at a National Football Development Plan workshop here today.

The two-day workshop was organised by the ministry and participated by 100 football sport stake holders to discuss related issues that can be detailed into the plan tabled by Khairy to the Cabinet soon.

Among the topics of discussion were coaching, facilities, athletics development and competition.

At a subsequent media conference, Khairy said the implementation of the long term plan involved a high cost and the ministry was seeking sponsorship from the private sector, specifically for organising competitions.

The plan would be carried out in stages as many aspects had to be improved, such as the training process and churning out more qualified coaches and establishing more MyKids Soccer training centres nationwide.

“What is crucial is the involvement of all parties to make the effort successful,” he added. — Bernama