Giving a good fight: Malaysia’s Brendan Gan (right) vying for the ball with South Korea’s Lee Kang-in in the Asian Cup Group E match at the Al Janoub Stadium last Thursday. — AP
PETALING JAYA: From cancer to the Asian Cup stage, national midfielder Brendan Gan has shown that persistence can take you places.
The 35-year-old Selangor stalwart played a key role in Malaysia’s 3-3 draw of South Korea in the final game of Group E in the Asian Cup by producing a virtuoso display.
Despite missing out on the first two games against Jordan and Bahrain, Brendan showed no signs of rustiness.
He was grateful to be given the opportunity against South Korea and achieve his dream of playing on the biggest stage.
“Let’s call it ... ‘The two-year Asian Cup Dream’,” he said.
“The dream evolved every minute of every day since watching this squad qualify for the Asian Cup in Bukit Jalil.”
Brendan explained that he realised his first dream of recovering from cancer.
He was out for a year to get treatment for early-stage testicular cancer and only made his comeback to top flight action in June 2022.
“First was the dream to survive cancer. The second was to get back onto the field for the club and then perform well enough to reach the next step.
“The next step was to wear the colours of Harimau Malaya again.
“To be able to join this amazing group of 26 to go to battle on Asia’s biggest stage was an honour.
“This is just a reminder ... Everyone faces their battles, big and small. Persistence in your dreams is key.”
He has been instrumental for Selangor by captaining them to the Malaysia Cup final in 2022 and finishing second in the Super League last year to book a spot in the AFC Champions League.
With the national team, the former Sabah and Kelantan player has played 35 matches, scoring one goal.
He may gain a veteran status thanks to his age but looking at his determination and fitness, he could feature longer for Malaysia in the years to come and be an inspirational asset to the team.
