Rabih the Lion of Lebanon

Focused: UiTM’s Lebanese winger Rabih Ataya (right) in action during the team’s training session. — UiTM FC Facebook page

PETALING JAYA: With 23 goals in a season, 2017 Golden Boot winner Mohammed Ghaddar became a household name among Malaysian football fans. And with his stints at Kelantan (2012, 2014, 2017, 2018), Felda United (2013) and Johor Darul Ta’zim (2017), the striker made Lebanon famous.

Now, UiTM’s Lebanese winger Rabih Ataya is aiming to follow the footsteps of his compatriot and stamping his mark in the M-League.

He has several other Lebanese players to emulate, too, like Abou Bakr Al-Mel (Kelantan), Hassan Ali Chaito (Terengganu), Mootaz Jounaidi (Felda United), Jad Noureddine and Hussein Eldor (Perak).

Rabih said almost all Lebanese players who featured in Malaysia had praised the M-League.

He added that the off-pitch factors like safety made it very attractive for players from the Middle East to play in Malaysia.

“Some Lebanese players shared their experience of playing here with me and that made me jump when I received the opportunity to come here,” said the winger.

“Among them are Jad, Abou and Hassan... they all told me to play in Malaysia and shared a lot of positive things about the country and also the M-League.

“Being a Muslim, it’s easier to fit in here in Malaysia and after living here, I can say I’m happy with my decision.”

The Lebanese international said the professionally-run Super League was very competitive and it made him improve as a player.

“I did not know much about the M-League before coming here but since playing with UiTM, I’m satisfied with the quality of games here,” said the 31-year-old who has scored one goal in four matches for UiTM in the Super League.

“For example, our two matches against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Kedah were eye-openers for me. The matches were very good even though my team lost to JDT (1-2) and drew with Kedah (1-1).

“I’m really looking forward to the M-League resumption on Aug 26,” he said.

UiTM, nicknamed the Lions Troop, are currently placed ninth in the 12-team Super League standings after four matches with four points following a win, a draw and two losses.