Tough luck for Wan Zaharulnizam

PETALING JAYA: Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria seems to be dogged by bad luck in his budding career.

Last year, the Harimau Muda A winger looked all set to play in Japan before FC Ryukyu, the Third Division outfit, made a surprise U-turn at the last-minute by signing defender Nazirul Naim Che Hashim instead.

Ryukyu were impressed with him and another winger – Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor – during the duo’s 19-day trial in Okinawa. However, the club signed defender Nazirul, claiming they had enough midfielders in the squad.

Then on Wednesday, Wan Zaharulnizam was again dealt a cruel blow when he was dropped at the 11th hour from the SEA Games squad to Myanmar – after picking up a groin injury in the 3-1 win against the same Japanese club in a friendly at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.

The 22-year-old Wan Zaharulnizam admitted that Lady Luck seems to have deserted him.

The nippy winger, a regular with the Harimau Muda A squad under coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, has been ruled out for two weeks after a minor muscle tear in his groin.

“It’s heartbreaking for me to suffer one misfortune after another,” said a dejected Wan Zaharulnizam, who is fondly called Kecik.

“It’s frustrating to work hard and then suffering such a blow at the last minute. My team-mates have told me to persevere and that has strengthened my resolve.

“I may not be with the team in Naypyitaw but my heart will be there with them ... I wish them all the best as they seek to defend the SEA Games gold in Myanmar.”

Wan Zaharulnizam, who has signed with east coast giants Kelantan for the 2014 M-League season, said he will now focus on his new team and the next national Under-23 assignment – the Asian Games in Incheon.

The Tumpat local said he will join Kelantan in Kota Baru for their pre-season training after two weeks of rehabilitation at the National Sports Institute (NSI).

“I can’t afford to dwell on my misfortune. I need to stay positive and move on,” he said.