Newly appointed head coach of Malaysia U23 national football team, Nafuzi Zain, has revealed that he began scouting the country’s young talent earlier this month in preparation for a packed and pivotal year.
The former Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC coach has been tasked with leading the U-23 team through three major tournaments: the ASEAN U23 Championship, the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, and the SEA Games. Despite this being his first foray into national-level coaching, Nafuzi is determined to deliver success.
Nafuzi emphasized the importance of early groundwork and has been closely monitoring players from various competitions, including the Super League and MFL Cup.
“This year, we have three major tournaments. I’ve started scouting players since early January, and the first call-up for the squad is likely to happen in March,” said Nafuzi in an interview shared on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) YouTube channel.
“We are assessing the potential of players to see who fits the playing style we plan to implement. Many players from past tournaments remain eligible, and I am open to including both returning and new talents. Those who deliver the best performances will secure their spots on the team,” he explained.
Nafuzi’s vision includes creating opportunities for new talents while retaining experienced players. “We aim to assemble a squad that represents the best of Malaysian football. The door is open for all players who showcase their ability and commitment,” he said.
Nafuzi expressed his gratitude to Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the national U-23 team.
“I am deeply honored and excited to serve the national squad for the first time. This is a golden opportunity for me to grow my career and contribute to Malaysian football,” he shared.
With three high-profile tournaments lined up, the expectations are high for the U-23 squad. The ASEAN U23 Championship and the SEA Games provide a platform to showcase regional dominance, while the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualification will be a test of the team’s ability to compete at a higher level.
Credit Photo : FAM
