By Allan G Dumbong
International Correspondent
AUCKLAND, New Zealand : – Anticipation is building as Malaysians in New Zealand prepare to rally behind Harimau Malaya in their football match against New Zealand’s All Whites.
Local communities are buzzing with excitement, and many are expected to gather at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on October 14 at 7:00 PM.
A New Zealand Football (NZF) official remarked, “We’ve heard that Malaysians are buzzing in WhatsApp groups, encouraging each other to attend the match.”
We expect around 500 Malaysians to come, proudly waving their flags.”
Football enthusiast Mark Gavin Lai shared, “My family is coming all the way from Hamilton. My son is a huge football fan.”
This excitement resonates throughout the community as families gear up for the event.
Allan Dumbong, the appointed Liaison Officer for the Malaysian team, is helping spread the word among Sabahans in New Zealand.
“This is an exciting opportunity for sports diplomacy between Malaysia and New Zealand,” said Allan, who also serves as Vice President of the New Zealand Sepak Takraw Federation (NZSFI).
Tickets for the game are available for NZ$22.50, making it affordable for fans of all ages.
New Zealand Football (NZF), founded in 1891 and affiliated with FIFA since 1948, has a long footballing history, with the country qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 1982 and 2010.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) also has a rich legacy, with football introduced to Malaysia by the British in the late 19th century.
The Malaysian squad will be accompanied by FAM officials, led by President Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hamidin Bin Haji Mohd Amin, for this exciting match.
