KUALA LUMPUR: National caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente remains unfazed by the absence of captain Dion Cools ahead of Harimau Malaya's friendly against New Zealand in Auckland on Oct 14.
Cools, who plays for Thai club Buriram United, has withdrawn from the squad due to family matters.
Vicente expressed confidence in his squad's depth, noting that there are other capable players ready to step up against world No. 95 New Zealand.
Right-back Matthew Davies is expected to wear the captain's armband for the friendly.
"Cools is dealing with family matters and decided to opt out this time to attend to them," Vicente said before the team's departure at KLIA in Sepang today.
"He is an important player, and we hope he will return for next month's camp. However, we have many leaders in the team, including Matthew Davies, who will lead the side against New Zealand."
Syamer Kutty Abba, meanwhile, hopes the team will raise their game despite the absence of Cools.
"Cools is our captain, but his absence isn't a problem. This is a chance for others to step up.
"Facing a stronger team in an away friendly is a valuable experience for us."
World No. 132 Malaysia will first face a club side on Friday before their match against the All Whites.