Practice makes perfect: Quentin Cheng in action during a training session. — Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Quentin Cheng moved from Sydney to Malaysia to give his football career a shot in 2020.
It has been five years and he has no regrets.
The 24-year-old Quentin has enjoyed his stint here despite ups and downs, and is ready to give another strong performance for Selangor in the Super League starting in May.
“Time flies. I remember when I made the move from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur... I was extremely nervous but also excited for the new challenge,” said the Australian-born player, whose parents hail from Malaysia.
“It has been a journey of ups and downs but I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made, so I’m very grateful and fortunate to have this opportunity.
“There will a lot of games with Selangor this year and I hope we can fight again in the league.
“I hope to once again go far in the Cup competitions and try and win one. It would be amazing for the club and the fans who deserve it.”
The gangly winger, who represented Sutherland Sharks, was called up to play for the Malaysian Under-23 squad in the 2019 SEA Games before he finally moved for good in 2020.
He has played in the Malaysian League for five seasons, featuring for Selangor II in the Premier League in 2020, and Penang on loan in 2021 before making his way to the Selangor main squad to play in the Super League in 2022.
Quentin, who is 1.88m (6’2’’) tall, has been one of the most consistent rightbacks in the league, even earning eight caps with Harimau Malaya since 2021.
He is going through the paces in the pre-season since January under coach Nidzam Jamil and is hoping to be in optimum shape before the season starts on May 10.
“Pre-season has been very long so far and I’m looking forward to playing matches and competing,” he said.
“I think I will still be playing the same role under coach Nidzam. He has been with us for a couple of years now, so all the boys know him well and have good relationships with him.
And Quentin also hopes a good season will see him featuring for the national team again even though competition for rightback spots is tough as he has to compete with the likes of Matthew Davies, Syahmi Safari (Johor Darul Ta’zim) and Azam Azmi Murad (Terengganu).
“My goal is always to try and play for the national team. The rightback position has a lot of good players so it’s not easy to get a place in the team,” he said.
“I will try my best to impress the national team coaches when the season starts and hopefully get back into the squad.”
