Malaysia unexpectedly receives very sad news before the match against Vietnam National Team

The Malaysia National Team is set to part ways with two key assistants, Nafuzi Zain and Tan Cheng Hoe, ahead of the match against Vietnam on March 31.

Malaysia National Team Coach Peter Cklamovski has just confirmed a notable update that his two trusted assistants, Nafuzi Zain and Tan Cheng Hoe, will leave the team right before the upcoming clash with Vietnam on March 31. This development has caused concern among Malaysian fans about major changes within the coaching staff, especially during this sensitive phase for the national team.

In an interview with journalist Zulhelmi Zainal Azam on the Astro Arena channel on January 25, Coach Cklamovski admitted he did not want this separation. However, both Nafuzi Zain and Tan Cheng Hoe have received attractive offers from top clubs in the Malaysia Super League, with contracts extending until the end of the 2025–2026 season. The Australian coach stated he respects the personal decisions of his colleagues if they choose to return to club environments to advance their careers.

Nafuzi Zain currently also serves as head coach of Malaysia U23, while Tan Cheng Hoe – former head coach of the national team – holds the position of Technical Director. Both are considered the “right hands” of Coach Cklamovski, having worked closely with him since he started in Malaysia early 2025. Losing these two key figures clearly disrupts the structure of the Malaysia national team’s coaching staff significantly.

The unexpected departure of the assistant duo occurs as Malaysia prepares for the highly anticipated rematch against Vietnam. This has sparked many rumors about an internal “mass exodus” Malaysian Football Association (FAM), as the team continuously faces issues both on and off the field.

Nevertheless, amid difficulties, Coach Cklamovski has just received important positive news. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has approved the temporary return of 7 naturalized Malaysian players to competition while awaiting the final ruling regarding their appeal. This decision helps Malaysia ease pressure on their squad, especially at the club level.

However, CAS’s permission for the players to return to the field is only temporary and does not mean the matter is fully resolved. While the player situation has somewhat been “unlocked,” the biggest challenge for Coach Cklamovski now remains stabilizing the coaching staff and the team’s morale ahead of the crucial upcoming match against Vietnam.