Proving ground

Dedicated: Johor Darul Takzim’s Syamer Kutty Abba (right) aims to bounce back from a disappointing performance with the national team recently. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba aims to rise above criticism and put his game back in order.

The Penangite was criticised by his fans for a below-par performance against world No. 66 United Arab Emirates in the 2022 World Cup-2023 Asian Cup Group G qualifying match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sept 10.

The expectations was on Syamer to perform but the 22-year-old wilted under pressure.

Syamer was initially upset with his critics but has vowed to bounce back for his club in the Malaysia Cup and also for Malaysia in their next Group G qualifying match against Vietnam in Hanoi on Oct 10.

“It’s painful to read all those negative comments on social media although I know, criticism is part and parcel of a footballer’s career, ” said Syamer.

“In every game that I play, I give my best but I’m also learning in every match. Age is on my side, and I know that the areas I can improve.

“I will surely bounce back and do better. No one wants to regress in life. I’m happy that the coaches in JDT and the national team are always motivating me to give my best.

“I will not let these criticisms get to my head. I just need to stay focus in building a good career.”

Before the national duty, Syamer’s immediate goal is to beat Terengganu in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final, second-leg match at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru today.

The club won the first-leg 1-0 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Sept 21.

“We want to go all the way in the Malaysia Cup. We are serious about winning, and you can see the drive and determination of the players and coaches during training sessions, ” said Syamer.

“We have to be on our toes in every game. In JDT, it’s all about winning. We had a tough fight but a good result in Terengganu.

“Now it’s time to stay focused in the return-leg. It won’t be an easy game, but with the fans on our side, we will surely give our best.”

JDT know very well of Terengganu’s capability, as the East Coast side have beaten them 3-2 via aggregate in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals last year.

In the return-leg at Larkin last year, JDT held a 2-0 lead, with a 2-1 aggregate up to the 68th minute but were dealt a crushing blow when Terengganu’s Ivorian striker Kipre Tchetche scored a double in the 69th and 92nd minute.