KUALA LUMPUR: Former national coach Nelo Vingada believes his successor, Tan Cheng Hoe has his own secret recipe to guide his squad to victory against Myanmar in Saturday’s AFF Cup Group A game.
The outcome of the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will decide Malaysia’s fate in the tournament.
Vingada described Cheng Hoe as a great tactician and is confident his former assistant coach’s expertise will see Malaysia overcoming their rivals.
The Portugal-born coach, however, said Malaysia’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals will also depend on the outcome of the match between
Myanmar and Vietnam in Yangon tomorrow.
“Cheng Hoe is an excellent coach and I believe in his capabilities. He is very professional and has good knowledge of his players’ strengths and weaknesses.
“Malaysia will always be close to my heart... Cheng Hoe is also a good friend. I hope his team will do well,” said Vingada, whose five-month stint last year is the shortest reign of any national coach of Malaysia, excluding those appointed on ad-hoc or in a caretaker capacity, after making the worst start in the job in 30 years.
Under Vingada, who quit in December, Malaysia drew once and lost six matches.
Myanmar, Vietnam and Malaysia have six points each with the former at the top of the standings, followed by the other two teams on goal difference.
Vingada is still without a job after resigning from his post in Malaysia.
“I am now busy travelling and watching football in different countries in Europe. I hope to return to coaching next year,” Vingada added.