PETALING JAYA: Play it again, Sam!
Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville was in his element in the Red Giants’ 1-0 win over Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday.
Spurred on by the home crowd, Kedah tried every trick in the book to put the ball into the net but came up against a brick wall as Somerville pulled off eight superb saves.
“Going into the match, I knew I’d be busy. Kedah are always a hard team to play against.
“I didn’t get too caught up thinking about the double saves,” said Somerville, who denied attempts by Ifedayo Olusegun and Manny Ott in a matter of seconds.
“I just refocused on the next situation that came my way as Kedah were coming fast and furious throughout the 90 minutes.
“I’m happy with the three points and the clean sheet.”
The 29-year-old, who warmed the bench in the early part of the season, has certainly proved his worth and is now a regular fixture in the first 11.
And it is not too much to say that the 1.75m custodian is one of the reasons Selangor were able to finish runners-up in the Super League and earned them a ticket for the AFC Champions League Two next season.
He started 13 games for the club and in those games, he showed the attributes of a good goalkeeper... physicality, a strong mentality and a highly unique set of skills.
Somerville said it was an indescribable feeling to get back on the continental stage after eight years.
“We’re all delighted. It’s been a long season, full of hard work and commitment with the goal to take Selangor back into Asia’s most prestigious competition.”
Though happy with his form this season, the former Penang goalkeeper admitted there are areas for continued development.
“Happy but never satisfied, there’s always more work to be done and improvements to be made,” added Somerville, who is in the Harimau Malaya’s standby list.
“It would be fantastic if I’m called to be on the main list. It would be an honour to represent the country.”
