Eager for action: Penang’s Adib Abd Raop (right) will play one more league game against Police at the Selayang Stadium today. — Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: Adib Abd Raop has caught the eye of national football coach Kim Pan-gon, and he is over the moon.
The Penang wingback received the national call-up for the first time after impressing Pan-gon who took a flight to Georgetown to watch him in action against Terengganu last Sunday.
“Assistant coach E. Elavarasan called me a few days after the game. My teammates congratulated me in the dressing room and I was lost for words. My dream has finally come true,” said Adib.
“I am grateful and happy to be part of the national team for the first time,” added Adib who is among the 26 players selected for the final two Group D matches of the World Cup 2026-Asian Cup 2027 second-round qualifiers.
Adib said he spoke to teammate Syamer Kutty Abba, who is a former national player, about what it is like to play for Harimau Malaya in international tournaments.
“After I got the news, I immediately spoke to Syamer and he just told me to grab the opportunity. Syamer is one teammate who is always there for you when you need advice or motivation.
“For sure when I am in the national camp, he will be my main source of reference. This is going to be a valuable experience for me.
“I am also looking forward to meeting the other wingbacks and fullbacks like Matthew Davies, Daniel Ting, La’vere Corbin-Ong and Declan Lambert.
“Players like Matthew, Corbin and Daniel are experienced players and I look forward to learning from them. But I will also compete and show my worth as a player.”
Before heading to Kelana Jaya to join the national team on May 28, Adib will play one more league game against Police at the Selayang Stadium today.
It is not going to be an easy game as Police have built a reputation as giant killers and added some quality to their disposal.
Adib will have a duel of his own as he will be tasked to man Police’s tricky winger Prince Aggreh.
“We cannot underestimate the might of Police, especially what they did last season, where they finished eighth in the league and beat us in the Challenge Cup.
“This season, they have added some quality players to only make themselves stronger for the current season. I know about Prince having watched his game against Kedah.
“The quality he has is something, so I have to be at my best to stop him.”
