CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
FAM extend Cheng Hoe’s contract albeit with tougher targets
NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe has been handed difficult targets following the FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) move to extend his contract for another two years.
The 50-year-old, whose previous contract expired on Dec 31, will serve until Dec 31, 2020.
His contract extension beyond 2020 will depend on whether he achieves the national team’s target of guiding Malaysia beyond the opening rounds of the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers, which starts in June.
Although qualifying for the 2022 World Cup would be nearimpossible, FAM expect Cheng Hoe to set the tone for the national team in qualifying for the 2023 Asian Cup.
The national body also want the team to reach the final of next year’s AFF Cup.
The decision to extend his contract was made by FAM’s national team management committee, chaired by their president Datuk Hamidin Amin, at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
“Cheng Hoe has agreed to accept the challenge and also try to achieve the new targets. We want to see the team qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup.
“His contract will be reviewed when it is expired in 2020.
“By 2020, we will know whether we are on track towards qualifying for the Asian Cup,” said FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi yesterday.
Cheng Hoe said: “Qualifying for the next Asian Cup is achievable provided everyone gives their support, not only FAM.
“We need the best players to give their full commitment to ensure we qualify for it.
“I will not change by coaching philosophy. We will maintain our short passing and possession football in upcoming matches.
“I am happy with the players I have and I believe they can be developed accordingly,” said Cheng Hoe.