PLAYERS who can play in two to three positions stand a better chance of being selected when Ong Kim Swee names the final 20-player Sea Games squad today.
The national Under-20 coach stressed yesterday on the importance of “utility players” after his team beat Northern Territory 3-0 and Western Australia 2-0 in friendly matches at MPSJ Stadium yesterday.
Before the team leave for Manila tomorrow, Kim Swee will discuss with his coaching staff on the final squad.
“Naming the final 20 will be a challenge but that’s a good thing. After that we should be more focused.
“I have to see in terms of balance and depth. I have to balance certain positions, and those who can play in two-three positions will be given priority.
“Having players who can play in more than one position is an advantage. I have to see who are the players capable of doing so,” said Kim Swee.
Syahmi Safari, who helped Malaysia beat Indonesia 2-0 on Tuesday, United States-based Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (Perak SEDC) were on the stands yesterday but did not play.
Kim Swee declined to answer questions whether 21-year-old Wan Kuzain will play in the Sea Games.
“There are still no decisions on Wan Kuzain because tomorrow I will inform (the media) about his situation.
“During training, he showed good understanding but there are a couple of issues to be resolved as tomorrow is the final day for registration.
“If we can call him, great, otherwise, we need to forget about him. Wait for our official statement tomorrow,” said Kim Swee.