PETALING JAYA: It’s time for the local footballers to rise up.

Former national footballer Rezal Zambery Yahya believes the growing competition for places in the starting eleven is a healthy and much-needed development for Malaysian football.

He views the increase in foreign player quotas for clubs in the upcoming Super League season, coupled with the recent inclusion of five heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad, as a catalyst for local players to rise to the challenge and not shy away from it.

“This is the current trend in football,” said Rezal, who previously coached Kelantan.

“If players want to remain competitive, they must possess strong self-discipline, good attitude and character, a positive mindset, and most importantly, the determination to train harder and more consistently.”

Rezal stressed that the modern game demands more than just raw talent.

Local players need to evolve to stay relevant and contribute meaningfully to both the club and the country.

“If this happens, it won’t just lead to personal growth.

“Teams will improve, and the national setup will benefit instantly from that ripple effect,” he said.

He also underlined the importance of cultivating a culture of healthy competition from the grassroots level, so that players are always mentally prepared when opportunities arise.

“Local players need to wake up and realise that nothing comes easy.

“Everyone has to fight for their spot, and that’s the only way to bring out the best in themselves,” he added.

With the league becoming increasingly demanding and emerging talents making a mark, Rezal remains optimistic about Malaysia’s footballing direction.

He believes that with the right mindset and collective effort, the national game is entering a promising and exciting phase.