Do not be afraid.
That was the advice by captain Steffi Sarge Kaur to teammates ahead of the women's Asian Cup qualifiers, which start this weekend, in Palestine.
Malaysia will open their Group H campaign against Thailand, the World No 39, tomorrow, followed by World No 120 Palestine on Sept 22 at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium.
World No 92 Malaysia face a huge task as the players have not played competitive matches since last year due to Covid-19.
Steffi is aware that the Thais are in a different league but wants her teammates to be positive and give 100 per cent on the field.
The 33-year-old versatile footballer admitted that Malaysia might have to play defensively to frustrate the Thais.
"Thailand are among the strongest teams in Asia and have played in the World Cup before, but we should not fear them," said the former national futsal player.
"How are we going to challenge the Thais if we fear them? We cannot afford to have this attitude. We need to be mentally strong."
A total of 28 teams are competing in the qualifiers, separated into eight groups.
The champions of each group and the three best runners-up together with hosts India, Japan, Australia and China will play in the Asian Cup in Mumbai on Jan 20-Feb 6.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Nurul Azurin Mazlan, Olevia Olga Sabrinus, Asma Junaidi;
Defenders: Malini Nordin, Jessica Susanne Mailu, Steffi Sarge Kaur, Nurfatin Rozani, Siti Nurfaizah Saidin, Hellma Emily Joinin, Mira Fazliana Aidi, Nor Saema Che Tengah;
Midfielders: Pedrolia Martin Sikayun, Jaciah Jumilis, Alice Mic Micheal, Eva Olivianie Antinus, Dadree Rofinus, Nur Faiqah Safira Farid, Andrea Lee Xin Yi, Waitie Taming, Nur Lyana Soberi, Nur Farishah Erinna Hisham;
Strikers: Henrietta Justine, Puteri Noralisa Wilkinson.