Kuala Lumpur: Local players need to be ready to compete in the 'open market' to grab a place in the national team over the presence of naturalised and inherited players. While many are worried that the influx of naturalised players will reduce opportunities for local talent, coach and former player Mohd Nidzam Jamil said it was a challenge to create better competition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Nidzam stated, "I don't think we can run away from the issue of naturalisation because it happens in many countries. But if local talents just throw the towel, then it shows that our mental strength is not strong enough to compete... It is a challenge not only for players but also for coaches because this market is already open." He expressed hope that the presence of naturalised and heritage players could enhance the country's football ecosystem, benefiting young players, management, and the league, as well as the main squad's results.

Mohd Nidzam, who resigned as Selangor FC head coach at the end of October, mentioned that despite discussions with several parties, he intended to take a break with his family before returning to manage any team. At 44, and having also coached Felda United, he indicated a preference for teams with development projects and organised planning when considering future opportunities, which might materialise next season. He did not comment on speculations regarding a move to Negeri Sembilan FC.

In a related development, Rosli Hussein, a national player, discussed his book 'Bola Mental', which took him two years to write and draws on his experiences in football during the 1980s with Selangor, Kelantan, and Kuala Lumpur. As a former team manager and technical director of Felda United, Rosli highlighted that mental discipline has long been a neglected aspect of the Malaysian football system. He noted, "This book explains the reality of football's mental discipline in a concise and easy-to-understand manner, which is suitable for all levels of society."