Latest news with #HectorHevel
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
My grandad from Melaka, new Harimau Malaya hero Hevel tells his detractors
For the record, Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad. 10 Jun 2025 02:08pm Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad. Photo source: KUALA LUMPUR - To those who question his eligibility to play for Harimau Malaya, midfielder Hector Hevel has this to say: "My grandfather hailed from Melaka'. Though he doesn't know much about his late grandfather, the 29-year-old said that was the connection that kickstarted talks which culminated in him playing a starring role for Malaysia in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Nepal in March. Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad. Photo source: For the record, Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad. The other six are strikers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces (from Argentina); defender Jon Irazabal and left-back Gabriel Palmero (Spain); and striker Joao Figueiredo (Brazil). But none of them could have dreamed of making an instant impact like Hevel did, who not only scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Nepal in their opening Group F match of the Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in March but also took home the Man of the Match award. And now, having revealed that he will be joining serial winners Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) next season, Hevel plans to use his time here to trace his family lineage. "I will try to go (and seek information about my family's Malaysian ancestry) when I play with (11-time Super League champions) JDT. I will try to learn more about them,' he said at a press conference here recently. But that's for another time. For now, Hevel is thrilled to bits after receiving a second call-up to the Harimau Malaya setup as they gear up for their second 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group F match against favourites Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (June 10). "When I found out that they wanted me to come, I was really happy and excited. "Obviously, I played the first game and it went well because we won it. The second call-up is always good and it boosts your confidence as well because they've called you again,' he said. Malaysia's next Asian Cup Qualifiers outing after Tuesday's clash is an away match against Laos on Oct 9. - BERNAMA TAGS: sport, football, Hector Hevel, heritage player, Harimau Malaya
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Hector Hevel keeps Harimau Malaya in the hunt
KUALA LUMPUR: A Dutch-born player has been entrusted with running the Harimau Malaya engine room. And Hector Hevel has been doing a good job of it too. The heritage footballer played in two Asian Cup qualifiers and Malaysia scored six goals and conceded none. The 29-year-old midfielder, who scored in Malaysia's 2-0 win over Nepal in March, was also part of the team that thrashed Vietnam 4-0 yesterday. His contribution to the match was immense, serving as the vital link between the Harimau defence and attack. "We analysed their game and we were aware it wouldn't be easy to defeat them but we tried, and eventually, it paid off. They were indeed a good team, but we won. "Obviously when we start the game, we don't know how many goals we will score, but we knew we had quality in front, and we utilised it to the fullest," said Hevel, who will be leaving Portuguese club Portimonense SC to join Johor Darul Ta'zim. Though his side are perched on top of Group F and poised to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, Hevel said their quest has only just begun. Hevel said the remaining four group matches will be challenging and they cannot afford to be complacent. "We made a good step (beating Vietnam) but it is not over yet. We have four more games to play, they are four important matches. So we need to step up and win them as well.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel (pic), it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. 'Honestly, I'm happy to be back,' said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. 'The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play.' Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. 'It came from my grandfather's side,' said the Dutch-born player. 'From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. ''I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from.' Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. 'Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result.' Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. 'We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution.' With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. 'Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday.'
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Dutch-born footballer impressed by Malaysia's Super League
KUALA LUMPUR: The Netherlands-born playmaker, Hector Hevel, is impressed by the standard of Malaysia's Super League. The 29-year-old said the competition was better than he expected. Hevel, who recently debuted for Harimau Malaya, confirmed he will be signing for Johor Darul Ta'zim following his stint in Portugal with Portimonense. "You can tell the quality of the Super League by the local boys in the national team," said Hevel. "They have a certain level and most of them play in the Super League, so it says something about the quality here." Hevel, whose grandfather is from Melaka, has featured in top-flight football across Europe. Still, he noted that the Super League here holds its own in terms of competitiveness and technical ability. "Maybe the rhythm is a little faster in Europe, but overall, football is football," he said. "Every country has its own style. What matters is how well teams execute their ideas." Hevel made an instant impact on debut for Malaysia, scoring against Nepal in Harimau Malaya's opening Asian Cup qualifying match in March. His performance quickly endeared him to fans and showed that he could be a key figure for both club and country. Hevel will be counted upon to lead Malaysia's midfield against Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
The Star
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."
