KUALA LUMPUR: Even as M-League clubs spend much in hiring coaches from mainly Europe, South America and Asia, Datuk Ong Kim Swee became the latest Malaysian signed by foreign clubs.
Earlier this year, Selangor coach Tan Cheng Hoe took up the challenge of managing Thai club Police Tero.
Indonesian club, Persis Solo, announced Kim Swee's appointment as their coach in a Facebook post yesterday.
In 2007, Raja Isa Raja Akram Shah became a trailblazer for Malaysian coaches when he went to Indonesia in 2007. He guided several prominent clubs in the Indonesian league, including Persipura Jayapura, Persijap Jepara, PSMS Medan, and PSM Makassar.
Former Malaysia international V. Saravanan became a coach with Helsinki FC in 2019 and with IF Gnistan from 2012-2018 in Finland.
Datuk Lim Teong Kim made his mark in Germany as a coach at Bayern Munich's youth academy from 2001 to 2011.
Persis were persistent in getting Kim Swee and their offer made him leave Super League side Sabah mid-season. They are looking to Kim Swee to save them from relegation in the Indonesian League 1.
Kim Swee guided Sabah to the top three in the Super League for two consecutive seasons, as well as leading them to the semi-finals of the Asean Zone of the AFC Cup last season.
Persis are backed by Kaesang Pangarep, the youngest son of former Indonesia president Joko Widodo and State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.
The club, nicknamed the Grim Reapers, are indeed in a grim situation. They are fighting a relegation battle, currently 16th among 18 teams with seven points from 11 matches.
Kim Swee, 53, said he needs some time to get to know the team, and more importantly, communicate effectively with the players, coaching staff, and officials.
"I see this as an opportunity with a club that has high ambitions. Our goal is to secure a good position for Persis," said Kim Swee.
Known for his ability to manage young talent, Kim Swee views the youth players as a key strength of Persis.
"I understand that Persis have many young players, and this is an advantage. However, to compete at the highest level, we need a mix of senior and young players. This is crucial for us to develop a style of play and maintain balance in every position on the field."