Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski has confirmed that he is stepping down from his role, saying the decision comes as he looks to pursue a new challenge in his career.
The Australian coach said Malaysian football holds strong potential, highlighting the passion of supporters, the quality of players, and the importance of safeguarding the sport’s future development.
“My hope is that Malaysian football continues to grow, with decisions always guided by what is best for the game, the players, and the future of the nation,” he said in a statement.
He expressed gratitude for his time with the national team, thanking fans and stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.
“Thank you for the memories, the support, and the privilege. I leave wishing nothing but success for Malaysian football,” he added.
In a separate development, former Harimau Malaya under-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain also confirmed his departure, describing the decision as a difficult one given his close connection to the team.
He said he remains confident that the squad will continue to progress, pointing to the talent and potential of the young players.
“Thank you to all who were involved in my career, especially the management, support staff, players, and supporters who always gave me their undivided support,” he said.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today announced a series of departures within the Harimau Malaya setup, including Cklamovski and chief executive officer Robert Douglas Friend.
Friend had been appointed as CEO on January 1, 2025, a newly created position aimed at managing the national team structure, while Cklamovski was named head coach on the same date.
FAM previously set a target for Cklamovski to guide Malaysia into the top 100 of the FIFA rankings, with the national team currently placed 136th.
The restructuring marks a significant shift in the management of Harimau Malaya, although FAM has maintained that the changes do not amount to a privatisation of the national team setup.
