PETALING JAYA: After six years plying his trade in the South, defender Adam Nor Azlin hopes to resurrect his career in the east coast after signing a two-year deal with Pahang.
The centreback, who did not get to feature much in the Super League with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) from 2018 to 2023, is now hopeful of having more game time in the top division.
The 28-year-old, whose contract with the Southern Tigers ended in December last year, was eyed by several clubs like Perak and Terengganu but he decided to move to Kuantan because of his family and he believes that a stint with the Elephants can revive his career.
“My family and I believe that Pahang could help my career. Plus, they like Kuantan too,” said the former Selangor player.
“I need to progress after years of not playing regularly in the Super League. It’s nice to be here and look to boost my career.
“I have already undergone pre-season training with the team. Everything is going well and the whole squad are giving their fullest commitment to ensure the team get stronger before the season opener in May.
“Coach Fandi (Ahmad) has been great too. He was an ex-player himself, so he knows what players want and they can adapt to his ways quite well during training.”
Adam knows that despite his status as a former Malaysia Under-23 captain who helped the nation win the SEA Games silver medal in 2017, he is not guaranteed a first-eleven spot.
He has to face the likes of former national player Mohd Fadhli Shas, Argentinian giant Stefano Brundo, youngster Hasnul Zaim Zafri and possibly another foreign centreback in the form of Serbian Aleksandar Cvetkovic.
“Wherever I go, I have to fight. But the competition is healthy, which is what I want as a professional footballer. There are a lot of experienced players in the team, so I have to be at my best in training everyday.
“I respect every player in the team but I want regular action, and I will fight for it.”
Adam also knows more first-team action will keep his dream, which is to play for Malaysia again on the international stage, alive
He has won 15 caps with Malaysia, his last coming five years ago when he played in a World Cup qualifier against Indonesia.
“I want to be a part of the national team again and for that to happen, I know more game time in the Super League will be needed. The more minutes I get, the more I will be noticed. My wish is to be part of Kim Pan-gon’s squad but it all depends on me now.”
