No time to waste: Ivan Mamut (left) at a training session. — Terengganu FC
CROATIAN Ivan Mamut has won a trophy at home and is banking on the experience to pull off a first outside of his country when he plays for Terengganu in the Malaysia Cup final today.
Two seasons ago, the 26-year-old striker helped Romanian club Universitatea Craiova to win the Romanian Cup.
Now, in his first ever season in Malaysia, he is excited to play in a Cup final against the mighty Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
He knows their opponents are the Goliath of the game but Mamut, who is Terengganu’s top scorer in the Malaysia Cup with eight goals, said he was looking forward to his first Malaysian final.
“Two years ago, I won with Craiova. This is my first year in Malaysia and I’m in the final. So it’s a good feeling. I have shared my Cup-winning experience to my teammates with the hopes of inspiring all of them,” he said.
“Some of them have also experienced a final before, so we know what’s in store for us. The final is a one-off game, now or never. So we have to give more than 100%, especially against a side like JDT.
“Our run to the final has been special because we beat two good sides like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. And we want to continue that momentum.”
Mamut is ready for the tough task against him and Co but will trust the plans of his coach Tomislav Steinbruckner.
“We can’t lose focus because JDT will take advantage if we commit small mistakes.
“They have done well for many years, so we will go all out to show that we have what it takes to win the Malaysia Cup.”
Mamut has been a standout player for Terengganu this season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, and made trouble in the defence with his height and strength.
Mamut said nine days after the final, he would head back to his hometown in Croatia to visit his loved ones.
“They can’t come for the final because it’s too far but I’m sure they will watch the game on television. I will be heading home soon, so I can’t wait and hopefully I will bring some good news for them.”
