FAM targets new Harimau Malaya coach by December as Cheng Hoe leads China and Yemen friendlies

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) expects to name a permanent Harimau Malaya head coach by late November or early December at the latest, with interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe set to lead the national team in two November friendlies before his contract expires on 25 November. The timeline was outlined by FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, according to a report in Kosmo on Friday 30 October.

Coach and technical director decisions

FAM has confirmed it has received applications for the head coach role but says no decision has been made. Kosmo reported that the association is also preparing to appoint a new technical director, and that the coach of the Under-23 side for the SEA Games could be announced around the same time.

According to the report, FAM is weighing more than CVs: it wants a candidate whose ability and approach suit Malaysian football. Upcoming Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying campaigns add urgency to the appointment. FAM said it would issue a statement once the matter is settled.

Until then, Cheng Hoe remains in charge. He has led Malaysia on an interim basis and will take the team to China for the November international window.

China and Yemen friendlies in November

Malaysia's two Tier 1 international friendlies were rescheduled earlier this month after the Chinese Football Association informed FAM of changes. In a media release dated 13 October, FAM confirmed:

• Saturday 14 November: China v Malaysia in Guangzhou
• Tuesday 17 November: Malaysia v Yemen, also in Guangzhou according to Bernama and RTM

Both matches were originally planned as a double-header against China. At the time of the announcement, FAM listed China at 96th in the FIFA rankings, Yemen at 144th and Malaysia at 133rd. Malaysia and China last met in a friendly in Chengdu in September 2023, which ended 1-1.

Why the ranking points matter

Ab Ghani has said the games are about more than preparation. Because they are Tier 1 fixtures, they carry FIFA ranking points, and he has linked them to improving Malaysia's seeding for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and 2032 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Kosmo reported that he hopes to see Malaysia break into the world's top 100.

Cheng Hoe has framed the trip as a chance to judge players against stronger opposition. Speaking to Scoop earlier in October, he said facing a side of China's level would show which players could cope with international football and help shape the squad for the future.

Striker question after Bergson injury

One selection issue has emerged this week. Johor Darul Ta'zim striker Bergson Da Silva was substituted with an injury after scoring in JDT's 3-0 AFC Champions League Elite win over Port FC on 27 October, and JDT have not given a recovery timeline. Kosmo reported that local strikers could use this weekend's Liga Super matches to press their case if Bergson is not available for the national team.

FAM had not published a squad list for the China trip as of Friday 30 October.

Key takeaways

• FAM aims to appoint a permanent Harimau Malaya coach by late November or early December.
• Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe's contract runs to 25 November; he will lead the November friendlies.
• Malaysia play China in Guangzhou on 14 November and Yemen on 17 November.
• The Tier 1 friendlies carry FIFA ranking points that FAM links to 2030 World Cup and 2032 Asian Cup seeding.
• Bergson Da Silva's injury could open the door for local strikers.

FAQ

Q: When will FAM name the new Harimau Malaya coach? A: FAM expects a decision by late November or early December at the latest, according to Kosmo's report of FAM president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan's comments.

Q: Who are Malaysia playing in November 2026? A: China in Guangzhou on Saturday 14 November and Yemen on Tuesday 17 November.

Q: Who is coaching Malaysia for the November friendlies? A: Interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, whose contract runs until 25 November.

Sources: Kosmo, Football Association of Malaysia, Bernama, RTM, Scoop, The Star