KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Tan Cheng Hoe can now afford to smile as he will likely be offered a contract extension following his team’s impressive performance at the recent AFF Cup.
Malaysia, only the seventh-best ranked team in the competition, defied the odds by reaching the final before losing 3-2 on aggregate to World No 100 Vietnam.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) are keen to extend his contract but it will only be finalised in their national team committee meeting, scheduled next month.
FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the committee, chaired by the president (Datuk Hamidin Amin), will assess the national team’s performance throughout the season and also discuss on Cheng Hoe’s future.
“The views of all committee members will be taken into account before deciding on next year’s plans.
“I believe they will also assess the team’s performances in all international matches. But I believe Cheng Hoe has passed with flying colours as he managed to guide his team successfully in all aspects in accordance to the national body’s new philosophy.
“He took some risks and managed to get the best out of his senior and junior players in his team at the AFF Cup.”
Cheng Hoe’s one-year contract expires on Monday.
Under his guidance, Harimau Malaya recorded eight wins, three draws and five defeats and also moved up seven rungs to World No 167 in the Fifa rankings.