Mukhairi believes Malaysia can qualify for U-20 W-Cup

PKNP midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal in action during the first-leg Malaysia Cup quarter-final between his team and Kedah at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium on Wednesday. - PKNP FC

PETALING JAYA: It may be a far-fetched dream but national Under-19 player Mukhairi Ajmal (pic) believes that Malaysia can qualify for the 2021 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.The 17-year-old’s confidence stems from the fact that he sees continuous improvement in the team under Brad Maloney.

He says the players are technically gifted and are able to play in high-quality matches for their clubs in the Malaysian League.

“The Under-19 players are mostly from the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD) and are tactically sound, they are able to follow the coaching style of Brad, ” said the PKNP player.

Mukhairi admits the qualification route is challenging as they have to book a spot in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship in Uzbekistan next year first. Then, they have to reach the semi-finals to qualify for the World Cup.

The box-to-box midfielder is one of the 32 players called up for the centralised training starting tomorrow at the Wisma FAM as preparation for the AFC Under-19 Championship qualifiers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia starting on Oct 31.

Malaysia are placed in Group G with Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Only 23 will be selected for the qualifiers and Mukhairi looks likely to be in the squad judging by his form in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) U-19 tournament in Vietnam last month.

He has started in the last three Malaysia Cup matches for his club PKNP and has played prominently.

“I’m happy that PKNP coach Abu Bakar Fadzim has faith in me. But, as a player, I know I can be better, ” he said.

“Both Brad and Abu Bakar are constantly motivating me to work harder and push myself to become a better person.

“They also see me as someone who can orchestrate the midfield, and that feels good as a player.

“But I won’t rest on my laurels. I have to further improve my technique and knowledge of the game, ” said Mukhairi, who idolises former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez and former national captain Safiq Rahim.

The former Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School student said he has been away from his family in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, since he was 15 because of the game.

“My parents (father Mahadi Maalim and mother Norita Ismail) have given me the blessing to pursue my dream, I want to make them proud, ” he said.

“I’m hoping to get an opportunity to play overseas.

“I’m willing to go for trials to prove myself. I believe a stint away from Malaysia will do a world of wonders.”