National defender V. Ruventhiran calls for unity and support as Harimau Malaya prepare for the 2026 ASEAN Cup campaign.
NATIONAL defender V. Ruventhiran has issued a passionate plea for fans to unite behind Harimau Malaya for the upcoming 2026 Hyundai ASEAN Cup, emphasising that national pride should come above all else.
Even with the opening match being an away fixture against Myanmar on July 25, Ruventhiran expressed his hope that the “12th man” will return to fill the stands for their home matches to provide a crucial morale boost throughout the campaign.
“I would just like to call everyone back to the stadium because it’s a pride, it’s for the nation. It’s not about this that or whatever. So let’s get back together and work for our country,” he said when met during the national team’s centralised training camp here, today.
Ruventhiran added that the team remains focused on the honour of the badge they carry while embracing the pressure as motivation to give their absolute best every single day.
Meanwhile, Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau is viewing this call-up as a significant “fresh start” after enduring a difficult period due to injuries.
The Penang FC player is determined to use this tournament to prove he has regained his best form.
“Firstly, I am very happy, grateful for the call-up. Every player’s wish is to play for national team, so I am very happy.
“To be honest, it was quite a struggle last season due to injuries nut thank god this is a blessing to start the new season with Penang FC too, open a new page in the book and I want to prove something,” he said.
Harimau Malaya will open their Group B campaign against Myanmar at Thuwunna Stadium on July 25 before taking on Laos at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras (July 28), Thailand at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok (Aug 1) and the Philippines in Cheras (Aug 8).
The top two teams from each group will advance to the two-legged semi-finals in mid-August, with the finals scheduled for Aug 22 and 26.
