No shrinking violet: Jaciah’s hard work and perseverance paid off when she helped Spicegals to their maiden KLWSL title.
PETALING JAYA: Playing two matches in one day can be daunting for any footballer.
But national women’s footballer Jaciah Jumilis is no shrinking violet.
The 32-year-old played for LMS Tigress in the team’s 1-0 win over Selangor in the National Women’s League (NWL) in Sepang recently.
Jaciah then rushed off to play in the Kuala Lumpur Women’s Super League (KLWSL) final for Spicegals against PJKITA in Cheras.
Her hard work and perseverance paid off when she helped Spicegals to their maiden KLWSL title.
Jaciah and her teammates fought hard to beat PJKITA 6-5 on penalties after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation time.
There’s also the icing on the cake as Jaciah was named the best player of the match after a commanding performance in midfield.
PJKITA had drawn first blood through striker Henrietta Justine, who scored as early as the fourth minute.
Spicegals, though, did not take long to recover from the setback and drew level just six minutes later through Nelly Jamini.
Both teams then went in search of the winning goal but came up short.
In the shootout, Spicegals goalkeeper Azza Harmiza Basharuddin came to her team’s rescue by saving a spot-kick from PJKITA’s Nur Balqis Zamrin to give her team a 6-5 win.
Jaciah was elated with the win.
“This is Spicegals’ first KLWSL title and I’m so happy,” said Jaciah.
“I’m proud of my teammates as they played well and never gave up until the final whistle.”
It has not been an easy journey for Jaciah as she has to juggle between playing for LMS Tigress and the national team.
“I was physically tired on the day of the final as I had played in the NWL for LMS Tigress against Selangor at 4.30 in the evening,” said Jaciah, who hails from Keningau, Sabah.
“But I stayed mentally strong to help Spicegals win the final.
“When I came to know that I had won the best player award in the final, I felt so thankful.
“It has been a tough journey as I have also been playing for my country.
“I only managed to play for Spicegals in the KLWSL in the semi-finals and final.
“Although I could only play in two matches for this team, I’m pleased that I could give my best performance.”
Jaciah had only joined Spicegals at the end of last year and the victory has whetted her appetite for more titles.
“This is my third title after winning the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup twice with Melaka United in 2019 and 2022,” said Jaciah.
“Honestly, it feels amazing and I want to win more titles.
“I also hope to play in Japan or Europe one day.”
