Cklamovski says fixing the grassroots pyramid is key to long-term success

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Peter Cklamovski said the long-term evolution of Harimau Malaya depends on a consistent tactical identity and a sustainable supply of talent from the country's youth ranks.

In an exclusive with Timesport, the Australian said progress for the senior squad requires patience and consistency rather than immediate revolutionary changes.

"Although we've done some things really well, there are always ways to improve and challenge ourselves.

"This is the process over the next few months… to observe where we are, understand it, and take the next step forward as a team," he said.

The former FC Tokyo coach said tactical adjustments will be necessary for matches like the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in March, but he emphasised that team growth must be incremental.

"I've always challenged us as a group to evolve. We're moving in the right direction, but evolution takes patience."

Beyond the pitch, Cklamovski noted that senior-level success is tied to "football-first" leadership within the sport's governing bodies.

Without naming individuals, he said decisions should be made for the benefit of the game rather than personal or political gain.

"The person in this position must make decisions based on what's best for the game, the next generation of players, and the kids.

"If decisions are made with football as the core value, the game will slowly but surely move forward," he said.

While focused on the senior side, Cklamovski highlighted the importance of a structured pathway connecting school football and club academies to elite programmes like the National Football Development Programme and the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD).

"Improving the educational system for football and connecting sports schools with club academies is key.

"You have a school system and a club system feeding into the elite pathway, producing players for the national team," he said.

Cklamovski also advocated for government support to fund these initiatives, framing investment as a way to help children pursue the sport.

Historically, Malaysia's youth teams have struggled, with the Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 sides generally failing to qualify for the Asian Cup.

Many state and school leagues provide only 10 to 11 matches per season for players aged 13 and 14, limiting competitive development.

"Talent exists, but the pyramid is weak at the base. If the youth system isn't strong, the senior team can't be strong either."

The AMD is intended to bridge these structures, channelling talent into an elite environment to create a sustainable pipeline for the senior squad.

Cklamovski believes a properly structured system will ensure the senior team benefits from high-quality talent in the years to come.

"2026 is about steady growth and fundamentals. If we start now, in 10 years, we'll have a stronger national team, and I'll be watching with pride as the next generation thrives," he added.