My life: Zaquan Adha with his wife Ayu Raudhah.
PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan captain Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak scored in his team’s 2-1 Super League win against Kuala Lumpur and he knew who to dedicate the goal to – the mothers in his family.
“The goal I scored was for my mother and wife. Scoring on Mothers Day was the perfect dedication for them. Maybe, it could also be due to my newborn child. Everything felt right; luck was on my side,” he said.
“I am grateful to my mother Azizah Arshad, and wife, Ayu Raudhah because their prayers have been vital to me.
“They are always part of my life and my career. So many talk about my age because I am on the veteran side of things now, but I ignore that.
“I just see age as a number, and importantly, I still have the spirit to give my all to Negri Sembilan, my boyhood club,” said the 35-year-old.
The former Malaysian international scored in the 70th minute before the City Boys equalised through midfielder Zhafri Yahya in the 87th minute.
The Deers snapped their four-game winless streak when Singaporean international Safuwan Baharuddin scored in the 87th minute to give them its third win in the league.
Zaquan also said his newborn child, the sixth in his family, could be the “luck” factor for him in ending Kuala Lumpur’s five-game winning streak.
“The win is also important because we have been struggling, especially in the last four league games. So this victory against Kuala Lumpur is a boost for a stronger comeback.”
With the win, Negri Sembilan have 13 points from 10 matches and are placed ninth in the league.
Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan was not too concerned about the team’s league position and just wanted his boys to do their best in the next six games before the second transfer window opens in July.
He felt the lack of imports was hampering their bid for a better positions.
“If I had a full quota of import players, I would have aimed for the top few spots, but on every matchday, we have only been able to field two or three players only. So right now, ensuring consistency is my main priority,” said Devan.
“My boys were spirited, showed commitment, and our tactical discipline was really good. We believe a high workrate will bring success. What we did against Kuala Lumpur must continue, but in our next game (Negri face Police at the Cheras Football Stadium on May 18), we might change tactics slightly.
“As for Zaquan, I am happy he got his goal, it was a beautiful one.”
