KUCHING: Harimau Malaya‘s resurgence has given Malaysian football fans renewed optimism, but for Sarawakians, seeing Jimmy Raymond and Rodney Celvin start in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Laos made the victory even more special.
The Kuching City FC defenders were both named in Tan Cheng Hoe’s starting eleven as Malaysia continued their impressive start to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding display on Tuesday night (July 28) at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Cheras.
While the result strengthened Malaysia’s position in Group B, it also marked another proud moment for Sarawak football.
For years, football fans in the state have hoped to see more homegrown players establish themselves at the highest level.
Against Laos, that hope became reality as Bintulu-born Jimmy and Serian’s Rodney repaid the faith shown in them with composed performances in defence to help Malaysia record a clean sheet.
It is a timely reminder that Sarawak is producing players capable of competing on the national stage – not merely as squad members, but as trusted starters in important matches.
Rodney formed a solid central defensive partnership with Ubaidullah Shamsul, while Jimmy slotted in at right-back alongside Ruventhiran Vengadesan as the back four produced a disciplined display to keep Laos at bay throughout the match.
Malaysia opened the scoring just before halftime through skipper, Paulo Josue, before Endrick dos Santos doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
Laos’ misery was compounded when Viengxay Sitdavong turned Mohamadou Sumareh’s cross into his own net to make it 3-0.
Substitute Wan Ahmad Kuzain Wan Kamal then put the icing on the cake in the 84th minute, curling home a superb free-kick just 13 minutes after entering the match to complete the 4-0 rout.
The victory followed Malaysia’s 2-1 comeback win over Myanmar in the opening match, giving Tan’s men six points from two games ahead of a highly anticipated Group B showdown against seven-time champions Thailand in Bangkok on August 1.
Beyond the convincing scoreline, the sight of Jimmy and Rodney wearing the national colours from the first whistle offered another reason for Sarawakians to celebrate.
Their performances reflect not only their own growth but also the steady progress of football development in the state.
Just as importantly, their inclusion in the starting eleven sends a powerful message to aspiring footballers across Sarawak – that the dream of representing Harimau Malaya is attainable.
