Malaysia national coach Ong Kim Swee has penciled in three potential candidates in Baddrol Bakhtiar, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Amri Yahyah to assume the captain's armband ahead of the friendly against Indonesia in Solo on Sept 6.
Last month's shock retirement of Safiq Rahim, along with three of his Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) teammates, left the captaincy role vacant. Kim Swee has identified one of the trio to lead Malaysia out against the Indonesians, who will be playing their first match in a year after FIFA lifted their year-long ban for government interference in footballing matters.
"I haven't confirmed a captain for the Indonesia assignment just yet, but Khairul Fahmi, Baddrol and Amri are possible candidates. They have the experience and maturity to lead the team," Kim Swee told ESPN FC.
Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi has 41 senior caps, while striker Amri Yahyah, who has 55 international appearances, skippered the national team in their Oceania tour opener against Papua New Guinea in June.
Kedah captain Baddrol is another experienced head who has been with the national setup since 2009, with 40 appearances to his name.
Kim Swee called up 13 new faces to the national fold, which is entering a new cycle, following the retirements of Safiq, Aidil Zafuan, S. Kunanlan and Amirulhadi Zainal who quit after the Oceania matches.
The debutants include T-Team's Safawi Rasid and the Selangor duo of Adam Nor Azlin and S. Veenod.
"Veenod has been playing well for Selangor this season. He has incredible energy and work rate. His presence will be an added boost for us in midfield," said Kim Swee. "Irfan Fazail also has vast experience with the Harimau Muda squad at the SEA Games and Olympic qualifiers, besides Amer Saidin and Wan Zack Haikal, who have been recalled to the squad to prove themselves.
"These 24 are the best players I see so far. I hope they will give me their best on the international stage," said Kim Swee, who also called on JDT defenders Fadhli Shas and Azrif Nasrulhaq.
Malaysia squad (to face Indonesia on Sept. 6):
Fadhli Shas, Amri Yahyah, Azrif Nasrulhaq, Khairul Azhan Khalid, Hazwan Bakri, S. Veenod, Adam Nor Azlin, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Brendan Gan, Wan Zack Haikal, Amer Saidin, Irfan Fazail, Zaquan Adha, Shahrul Saad, Nazirul Naim, Hafizul Hakim, Abdul Latiff Suhaimi, Fakrul Aiman, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Fakri Saarani, Ronny Harun, Khair Jones, Matthew Davies, Safawi Rasid