KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian football legend Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan has set his sights on reviving the nation’s youth football development, vowing to rebuild the system that once produced the country’s top talents.
Fresh off his victory in the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) executive committee (Exco) election, Zainal expressed his desire to lead the governing body’s youth football development department, should he be given the role.
Speaking to reporters, the former national captain stressed that Malaysia’s growing dependence on heritage and naturalised players was a worrying trend and that urgent steps were needed to restore the country’s ability to nurture homegrown talent.
“It’s concerning to see such a low number of local talents emerging through the ranks, not making it into the national team, and being overshadowed by heritage and naturalised players,” he said during a press conference after the 61st FAM Congress today.
“However, rather than complaining, we should address the root of the problem. The issue is that we are no longer producing serious talent at the same level as in the 1980s and 1990s. Nowadays, the number of youth academies and youth leagues is low, which is why we are unable to produce strong players.
“If I’m given the chance to be chairman of youth football development, I will make significant changes by creating a proper support system for all local players, working closely with all affiliates.”
Zainal also proposed reinstating a mentoring system, where senior national players would guide younger talents—a practice that was once a cornerstone of Malaysian football development.
“During my playing days, senior players mentored us, which helped maintain a consistent footballing DNA and playing style (across generations). (With this), young players don’t struggle when transitioning to the senior squad.
“I have been in this industry for a long time, as a player, coach, and manager. I know what needs to be done. If given the chance, I will work with my fellow Exco members to bring these plans to life,” he added.
Zainal’s close friend and former Harimau Malaya striker Datuk Dollah Salleh also made history, becoming the first ex-player to be elected as FAM’s vice president alongside three other candidates.
Meanwhile, former FAM vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub was named FAM’s eighth president, marking another milestone as the first Sabahan to hold the position.
He takes over from Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who stepped down after leading the association since 2018.
Both Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Datuk S. Sivasundaram retained their positions as deputy presidents, having won unopposed. — February 15, 2025