Planning ahead: Goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman (left) and coach E. Elavarasan chatting before their flight to Cambodia. – Photo by FAM
PETALING JAYA: National Under-22 football coach E. Elavarasan is upbeat over the presence of four Super League players for Malaysia’s challenge at the Cambodia SEA Games.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B, dubbed the Group of Death, with defending champions Vietnam and last edition’s runners-up Thailand together with Singapore and Laos.
Hosts Cambodia are in Group A together with Indonesia, Timor Leste, Myanmar and the Philippines.
The four Super League stalwarts are goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman, Mukhairi Ajmal, Ubaidullah Shamsul and Azam Azmi Murad.
“I think the team are good and as some players have experience playing in the Super League, it will give other teammates a boost,” said Elavarasan.
Elavarasan said the team are expected to face a difficult battle in their first group match against Laos today.
“Laos, who lost 0-2 to Vietnam in their opening match at the Prince Stadium on Sunday, will want to make a comeback in their second game, so it will be tough for us,” he said.
If Malaysia make it through the group stage, they will play in the semi-finals on May 13 and hopefully the final on May 16.
Meanwhile, 21-year-old Sikh Izhan is elated at getting the chance to keep goal at the Games, especially since he was the eleventh minute inclusion for injured Terengganu goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim.
And he may very well start against Laos at the Visakha Stadium in Phnom Penh today.
He’s adamant of doing well if chosen to play.
“There are many sacrifices in a footballer’s life. For example this year’s Hari Raya was not the same as I had to concentrate on training.
“Right now, the responsibility is placed upon me by the coaches and I hope to do well and repay the faith they have in me,” said Sikh Izhan.
“Now, I want to play a key part in the SEA Games. I want the ending in Cambodia to be a good one.”
Malaysia last clinched the men’s football gold in the 2011 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia, after defeating the hosts 4-3 on penalties (after being tied at 1-1 after extra time) but failed to repeat the feat when they fell 1-0 to Thailand in the final of the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
“The players are 100 per cent ready. We are prepared for the match against Laos. We hope to get a positive start. The coaching staff and players are ready for the challenge.
“I also hope that a good outing in Phnom Penh will brighten my chance to play for the senior team in the upcoming friendlies and hopefully, the Asian Cup next year,” said Sikh Izhan.
