KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski has assured that winger Faisal Halim is in peak condition and available for national duty, despite recent reports concerning turmoil in the player’s personal life.
The 46-year-old Australian tactician does not expect off-field matters to affect the Selangor FC star’s commitment and performance with the national team, adding that the coaching staff and his teammates are standing firmly behind him.
“From a football perspective, no effect. Obviously, the personal side of things is a matter for him and his family. We’re all there for him. I know Mickey (Mohamad Faisal) is an inspiration to the nation and he’ll continue to do that.
“From a football perspective, he’s in great shape and I know he’s looking after his personal matters with our full support,” he told a pre-match press conference ahead of the Tier 1 international friendly against Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today.
Asked if Faisal will feature against Singapore and Palestine on September 8, Cklamovski said he would only finalise the lineup on match day.
“You’ll see the squad tomorrow (against Singapore) but he’s available. He’s been training hard and is in full preparation mode,” he said.
Yesterday, the media reported that Faisal’s wife, Nur Syazwani Mizuana Shahril, had filed for a divorce.
In an Instagram story post believed to be hers, Nur Syazwani said it wasn’t an easy decision, but one that had to be made after unsuccessful efforts to preserve their marriage.
Faisal, who won the Best Goal award at the 2023 Asian Cup, has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Malaysia are set to renew their traditional Causeway Derby rivalry against Singapore, coached by Gavin Lee, here tomorrow night before meeting Palestine at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on September 8.
