Malaysia national team head coach Peter Cklamovski has made a definitive statement of intent, today announcing a 29-player squad for the upcoming FIFA international window. The roster has been selected for a centralized training camp ahead of two crucial Tier 1 international friendlies: a classic “Causeway Derby” at home against Singapore and a tough test against top-100 ranked Palestine.
The squad is built on a foundation of continuity, retaining a 25-player nucleus from the group that secured a landmark 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June. This stability is strategically enhanced by the injection of four new faces designed to increase squad depth and tactical flexibility as the Harimau Malaya continue their preparations for the crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers later this year.
The Full Harimau Malaya Squad (September 2025)
Here is the complete 29-man roster called up for the centralized training camp, which commences on September 1, 2025.
Goalkeepers
| Player Name | Club |
| Syihan Hazmi (See-hahn Haz-mee) | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Suhaimi Husin (Soo-hai-mee Hoo-sin) | Terengganu FC |
| Haziq Nadzli (Hah-zeek Nadz-lee) | Kuching City |
| Azri Ghani (Az-ree Gah-nee) | Negeri Sembilan FC |
Defenders
| Player Name | Club |
| Facundo Garcés (Fah-koon-doh Gar-sess) | Deportivo Alavés (Spain) |
| Dion Cools | Cerezo Osaka (Japan) |
| La’Vere Corbin-Ong | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Jon Irazábal (Yon Ee-ra-tha-bal) | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Dominic Tan | Sabah FC |
| Shahrul Saad | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Harith Haiqal (Hah-rith Hai-kal) | Selangor FC |
| Daniel Ting | Sabah FC |
| Azam Azmi Murad (Ah-zam Az-mee Moo-rad) | Terengganu FC |
| Quentin Cheng | Selangor FC |
| Gabriel Palmero | Unionistas CF (Spain) |
Midfielders
| Player Name | Club |
| Stuart Wilkin | Sabah FC |
| Nooa Laine (No-ah Lai-neh) | Selangor FC |
| Nazmi Faiz (Naz-mee Fah-eez) | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Hector Hevel | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Endrick | Cong An Ha Noi (Vietnam) |
| Ezequiel Aguero (Eh-zeh-kee-el Ah-gweh-ro) | Kanchanaburi Power (Thailand) |
Forwards
| Player Name | Club |
| Arif Aiman (Ah-reef Eye-mahn) | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Faisal Halim (Fai-sal Hah-leem) | Selangor FC |
| Rodrigo Holgado | América de Cali (Colombia) |
| Romel Morales | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
| Paulo Josué (Pow-lo Zho-sway) | Kuala Lumpur City FC |
| Safawi Rasid (Sah-fah-wee Rah-sheed) | Kuala Lumpur City FC |
| Richard Chin | Raith Rovers (Scotland) |
| João Figueiredo (Zhow Fig-eh-ray-do) | Johor Darul Ta’zim |
Analysis: Continuity, Competition, and a Global Core
The selection reveals a clear philosophy from Peter Cklamovski: reward success, increase competition, and continue to leverage global talent to elevate the team’s technical ceiling.
The Foundation: Building on the Vietnam Victory
The most significant aspect of this squad is the retention of 25 players from the group that achieved a commanding 4-0 victory over Vietnam. Cklamovski hailed that win as a “watershed moment,” and by keeping the core of that team intact—including captain Dion Cools, defensive rock Facundo Garcés, midfield engine Stuart Wilkin, and star wingers Faisal Halim and Arif Aiman—he is sending a clear message of confidence and reinforcing the tactical cohesion that proved so effective.
The New Blood: Four Strategic Additions
While continuity is key, four new faces have been introduced to bolster the squad:
- Ezequiel Aguero: A naturalized Argentine playmaker, the 31-year-old offers a fresh injection of creativity and technical guile in attacking midfield.
- Suhaimi Husin: The experienced 31-year-old Terengganu goalkeeper has been brought in to provide seasoned competition and depth for the undisputed number one, Syihan Hazmi.
- Azam Azmi Murad: The 24-year-old Terengganu right-back returns to the squad, rewarding strong domestic form and providing crucial defensive cover and tactical flexibility.
- Richard Chin: At just 22, the Scotland-based heritage player is an exciting prospect for the future. His versatility across the wing and midfield, combined with his experience in a competitive European environment, makes him a valuable addition.
The JDT Backbone
As the perennial champions of the Malaysia Super League, Johor Darul Ta’zim continues to serve as the primary talent pipeline for the national team, contributing nine players to the 29-man squad. This contingent forms the spine of the team, providing a high level of pre-existing chemistry and tactical understanding.
The Road Ahead: Singapore and Palestine
This squad has been assembled to face two distinct challenges in the September friendlies, likely persisting with the effective 3-4-3 formation.
- vs. Singapore (Sept 4): In the classic “Causeway Derby,” Malaysia will be expected to dominate possession at home. The tactical test will be breaking down a compact Singaporean defence, where the creativity of players like Arif Aiman and the potential introduction of Ezequiel Aguero could be decisive.
- vs. Palestine (Sept 8): This match against a top-100 ranked opponent represents a significant step up in quality. The defensive organization of the back three, marshalled by players like Dion Cools and Facundo Garcés, will be under intense scrutiny. A positive result here would be a major confidence boost ahead of the tougher Asian Cup qualifiers.
A squad built on proven success with an injection of new energy. What do you think of Cklamovski’s selections? Who was unlucky to miss out? Let us know in the comments below!
For the latest squad lists, fixtures, and results, make sure to check out our permanent Malaysia National Team Hub.
