Tunku Ismail, who spoke to the players and head coach Nelo Vingada, via video conferencing from Johor Bahru today, urged them to give 110% in the match against a Hong Kong side that features a majority of foreign players.
The video was uploaded on FAM’s official Facebook page.
The Tunku Mahkota of Johor, better known as TMJ, said a win against Hong Kong was much needed to silence those who have been critical about the national squad’s performance as well as that of coach Vingada.
“The human eye can never lie. If the entire Malaysian population, and me included, see the players give 110% in the match, we will be satisfied, even if the result is not favourable to us.
“If they win, I will give a bonus of RM30,000. The players must understand that we (Malaysians) stand firmly behind them and pray for their success,” he said.
The national team is currently in Hong Kong for an important mission – to collect three points – and revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2019 Asia Cup that will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
Vingada’s charges managed only a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong in the first leg played at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Sept 5, and lost 1-2 to Lebanon in their first match on June 13.
Malaysia is currently at the bottom of Group B with one point from two matches while Lebanon tops the group with seven points. North Korea and Hong Kong have two points each.
“Forget about the critics. Take it as a challenge and answer them with your performance on the field.
“I will always support the team because I do not care about what people say,” he said.