PETALING JAYA: Young Terengganu goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim (pic) probably needs a four-leaf clover.
The 21-year-old is rated as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Malaysian football but his luck with injuries has been nothing but horrid.
The 1.92m tall player had been expected to be in the squad to the Cambodia SEA Games but could not board the plane due to a hairline fracture on his right hand.
It was not the first time he had to miss international duties.
He was dropped from the Harimau Malaya squad in March due to Covid-19 and also missed a year of football in 2021 due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Rahadiazli, however, is not one to waste time shedding tears.
He believes his exclusion from the SEA Games will allow him to focus on recapturing his best form to get Terengganu going in the Super League.
“I have been experiencing this since I was 19. Every time I report for national duty, something happens,” he said.
“This would have been my last SEA Games, and it was my goal to atone for my mistakes in the Merlion Cup, We won the trophy then but I conceded some silly goals.”
Rahadiazli said his injury was not too severe and he would take two weeks to recover.
He believes the break will give him time to build on his fitness and show why he is one of the most promising young keepers in the country.
“My injury is not that bad, but I feel some discomfort with my fingers. But it won’t be long before I get back to making saves.
“Right now, I am only thinking of recovering and giving my all for Terengganu, as we want to improve our position in the league.”
Terengganu will face Sabah at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on May 19. They are currently eighth in the league with 13 points.
