KUALA LUMPUR: The Pahang Football Association (PFA) should not be egotistical by rejecting the chance to represent Malaysia in the AFC Cup next season.
PFA's decision to reject the FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) offer may invite adverse comments and give a poor image among other countries.
Former FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad said today he found it difficult to accept that Pahang say they are not ready for the competition but hoped PFA reconsider their decision.
"Maybe they cannot believe it (they got an opportunity to go to the AFC Cup)," said Redzuan of Pahang rejecting the chance of replacing FA Cup champions Kedah, who do not have an AFC licence.
"There is no need to be egotistical when you get the chance, just show what you can do. It's embarrassing when people wonder why there are Malaysian teams refusing to compete.
"It's such a waste because it's a golden opportunity for exposure at the highest level. You fight hard to qualify but once you get the chance to go, you reject it. Might have as well not fought so hard.
"I hope Pahang reconsider. You can't say you're not ready because you should always be ready.
"If you keep saying you're not at that level to compete then you will never reach that level. Results should be secondary. Unless you try, you won't be able to determine the team's ability," he said.
Pahang rejected FAM's offer to replace Kedah as Malaysia's representative in the AFC Cup as they want to focus on domestic competitions.
FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim yesterday chided Pahang and described the decision as sending "wrong signals" to other teams.
Redzuan said Malaysian teams and players must change their mindset and move out of their comfort zone and aim to reach a higher level.
"I have asked our young players what their ambitions are and they say they want to play for Malaysia. But that mentality must change. Why limit yourself to wanting to play for Malaysia only?
"The players need to have a desire to play at a higher level or else forget about football," he said.
Translated from Berita Harian