Maniam to Lead Young Tigers’ Challenge at U-15 World Cup

PETALING JAYA: Experience in managing local teams and developing young players will be key as P. Maniam takes charge of Malaysia’s Under-15 (U-15) squad for the FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The appointment of the 58-year-old former PDRM FC head coach was announced by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) through its official channels, marking a new chapter in his career with the national team.

Maniam, who currently coaches the U-15 squad at the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD), has an extensive background in grassroots development, including a stint as Malaysia’s U-16 head coach from 2019 to 2020. He has also previously coached Selangor FC.

A total of 22 players have been called up for centralised training beginning today as the team prepares for the tournament, which will test the abilities and resilience of the country’s young footballers on the international stage.

The inaugural tournament will feature an eight-a-side format, with teams competing in a single round-robin qualifying stage, requiring the national squad to make the most of every opportunity to secure positive results.

Malaysia have been drawn in Group H and will open their campaign against Dominica on October 24 before facing Syria on October 25, followed by Ethiopia later the same day.

The Young Tigers will continue their campaign with two more matches on October 26 against Hungary and Mexico, with all Group H fixtures taking place at the Hovsan Competition Complex.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA