PETALING JAYA: Greenhorn Nasrullah Aziz is relishing the opportunity to play between the posts but his feet are still firmly on the ground.
The 22-old-year goalkeeper, thrown in the deep end following injuries to first-choice Hafizul Hakim and No. 2 Khairul Amri Salehuddin, has so far impressed in his four matches for Perak.
His performances have seen them collect eight points to be second in the Super League behind defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, who have collected 10 points.
The down-to-earth 1.83m tall Nasrullah said: “So far, my performances have been good, but I know I can do better. So every day, even during this movement control order (MCO), I’m learning many things and hoping to improve further.
“As a goalkeeper, you can never rest on your laurels. I’m learning from my seniors Hafizul and Khairul, as they always share their experiences with me.
“Not to forget the goalkeeper coach (Faozi Mukhlas), who had always guided me, especially when I had jitters in my first game. And there’s also coach Mehmet (Durakovic) who believes in my abilities.”
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian Football League (MFL) have suspended all M-League and footballing activities to adhere to the MCO, which is scheduled to end on April 14.
Nasrullah takes care of his fitness with workouts and by following the guidelines set by his exercise coach Sam Pakiaraj.
Nasrullah was ever-present in the state’s President Cup campaign in 2017 and 2018 and after that, he was drafted into the main squad in 2018.
For two years, he was the third-choice goalkeeper as Durakovic relied on Khairul and Hafizul.
This year, the coach was left with no choice but to start with the inexperienced Nasrullah who has showcased his talent to play in the big league.
“The difference between the Super League and President Cup is vast. Yes, I admit that I was a little nervous when we faced Terengganu, but once I made one or two stops, the confidence grew.
“Right now, I just need to believe in myself. Even though Khairul is back, that does not mean I want to lose my spot. I will continuously fight to remain in the first 11.”
The 22-old-year goalkeeper, thrown in the deep end following injuries to first-choice Hafizul Hakim and No. 2 Khairul Amri Salehuddin, has so far impressed in his four matches for Perak.
His performances have seen them collect eight points to be second in the Super League behind defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, who have collected 10 points.
The down-to-earth 1.83m tall Nasrullah said: “So far, my performances have been good, but I know I can do better. So every day, even during this movement control order (MCO), I’m learning many things and hoping to improve further.
“As a goalkeeper, you can never rest on your laurels. I’m learning from my seniors Hafizul and Khairul, as they always share their experiences with me.
“Not to forget the goalkeeper coach (Faozi Mukhlas), who had always guided me, especially when I had jitters in my first game. And there’s also coach Mehmet (Durakovic) who believes in my abilities.”
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian Football League (MFL) have suspended all M-League and footballing activities to adhere to the MCO, which is scheduled to end on April 14.
Nasrullah takes care of his fitness with workouts and by following the guidelines set by his exercise coach Sam Pakiaraj.
Nasrullah was ever-present in the state’s President Cup campaign in 2017 and 2018 and after that, he was drafted into the main squad in 2018.
For two years, he was the third-choice goalkeeper as Durakovic relied on Khairul and Hafizul.
This year, the coach was left with no choice but to start with the inexperienced Nasrullah who has showcased his talent to play in the big league.
“The difference between the Super League and President Cup is vast. Yes, I admit that I was a little nervous when we faced Terengganu, but once I made one or two stops, the confidence grew.
“Right now, I just need to believe in myself. Even though Khairul is back, that does not mean I want to lose my spot. I will continuously fight to remain in the first 11.”
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
