All in the family: International Syamer Kutty Abba (left) hopes to team up younger sibling Haziq (pic, below) when the Super League starts next month. — Photo by Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: The Syamer Kutty Abba household in Penang is hopeful that one of their football dreams will be realised this year.
Firstly, the 26-year-old Syamer has returned to their home state on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, a prospect they are looking forward to after eight years.
Secondly, they are hopeful that the midfielder will play alongside his younger brother Ahmad Haziq, who is just 19 and currently plays for Penang II, but also makes appearances for the main team.
“I hope I can play with him in the team, or even as an opponent. That is the dream of my family – both of us sharing one pitch. But he is still young, and he has a lot to learn and also games to play. He is doing well for his age, but I know he can do better,” said Syamer.
“There is a process for that. But he is working hard to become a professional one day. I will always wish the best for him.”
Syamer is one of the marquee signings made by the Panthers this season as they look to solidify their midfield.
Despite not getting regular minutes with JDT over the years, Syamer has impressed in his cameos with them and is always praised for his displays in midfield for Malaysia.
Syamer not only brings bite in midfield with his tenacity and aggression but also shows great vision and calmness with his passes and movements.
“I am happy to be back. This is where I started everything. This is where I was born. I would like to thank JDT for letting me go on loan to develop my game and career as well,” he said.
“We have a young squad formed by coach Akmal (Rizal Rakhli). There are a lot of players coming from the Under-23 squad. The competition in midfield is aplenty as well.
“I need to work hard every day to prove to the coach that I deserve to play.
“It’s not guaranteed for me even though I come from JDT. I need to show in training every day that I am worthy of a spot.
“My target is high. This is the year that I need to improve on every single aspect of my game. I want to be in every possible minute of the club’s campaign. I need to be more mature and confident.
“For the club, we need to do our best. We need to aim high this year. It’s a young squad but we need to dream high. We want to entertain the fans and also finish better than last year.”
He also stated that moving to Penang was to continue being part of the national team, led by South Korean Kim Pan-gon.
“One of the reasons for this move is for my place in the national team. These past games, there are some bad moments for me in the national jersey. I need to prove now, in the Super League, that I am worthy of a spot in Harimau Malaya.”
