KUALA LUMPUR: The Merdeka Tournament should be used by FAM to unearth young talents, said football legend Khalid Ali.
He said the event is an ideal competition to develop future national players.
However, FAM is fielding a full-fledged national team for this year's Merdeka Tournament which started on Friday with Malaysia beating India 4-2 at the National Stadium.
Khalid admitted that Malaysian fans should not expect much from the Merdeka Tournament in terms of excitement and intensity as it needs time to regain its prestige.
"The Merdeka Tournament is something that we should allow our youngsters to play in. Win, lose or draw (it doesn't matter), we can work towards unearthing talents.
"If we don't start now, we will be left behind at international level. So take this as training and a chance for youngsters to play on this stage.
"In about six-seven years, we can have capable players to replace the current team, and hopefully be a threat to the likes of Asian superpowers like South Korea and Japan."
Khalid, who has lung cancer, said: "I'm still standing, still undergoing treatment. I hope to beat cancer and I asked for everyone's prayers," said Khalid who was visited by delegates from the National Unity Ministry, Yakeb and FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin today.