KUALA LUMPUR: National Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee praised young footballer M. Kavishkumar's bold move on trying his luck with Japanese Club Tokai FC.
He said Kumar's attitude should be an example for other youth to try their luck overseas.
"For me, this is a positive attitude and other youths must also be brave enough to try their luck overseas.
“Even if they do not get attachments with top clubs, still, they should try.
"Japan has a very good club system and it should benefit Kumar.
"We want more players to ply their trade overseas, and not just be comfortable with playing at home," said Kim Swee.
Kumar, 21, signed a year's contract with a Prefektur League semi pro club in Nagoya after going for trials end of last year.
The Cheras-born Kumar, who plays for Victoria Institution FC, has been offered a spot in the Kuala Lumpur President’s Cup as well as called for trials with Felda United.
But he still chose Japan as his destiny.
He is eligible to play in the AFC under-23 next year and Kim Swee is keen to follow his progress.
"I don’t know Kumar's real potential yet but am willing to check on his progress in Japan as I am right now collecting data on Under-21 players before calling the selected ones for centralised training.
"I’m also looking for Asian Games players and will select the best soon."
Presently, Under-23 Johor players Dominic Tan and Syamer Kutty Abba are in Portugal with Vilaverdensen FC.
Translated from Berita Harian