PETALING JAYA: The Ibans are famous for being fearsome warriors and on the football field, Sarawakian Jimmy Raymond is turning out to be reliable defender for the national team.
The 28-year-old Iban native Jimmy has been a key player in coach Pau Marti Vicente’s tactical play to keep their opponents at bay in the AFF Cup.
In fact, Jimmy, who is the only Sarawakian in the national team, has impressed in the three games he has played despite the team’s yo-yo form in the competition.
In Group A, Malaysia held Cambodia 2-2, beat Timor Leste 3-2 and lost to Thailand 0-1, collecting four points from three games.
Jimmy is hoping to help the nation get to the semi-finals by beating Causeway rivals Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday but he knows it will not be an easy task.
“I would like to thank the coach and the players for trusting me. The three games that I had played have been challenging but it has been a good learning process,” said Jimmy.“I am comfortable in the national team so far because we are all family. I will do my best against Singapore and create something positive for the nation.
“I can’t pinpoint which player to keep an eye on from Singapore. It’s expected to be a tense match.
“So we have to be patient and always stay focused in the Causeway derby. I do think about the rivalry between these two nations, but my job is to follow what the coach wants on the field.”
Jimmy has been inspired to make a mark in the national team, thanks to his best friend Rames Lai Ban Huat and mentor Joseph Kalang Tie whom he grew up admiring from the Kuching City team.
As the rightback in the state team under coach Aidil Sharin, Jimmy has been exemplary in his defensive duties and overlapping runs to create attacking chances and proving to be an ace in his position.
Jimmy said he had learnt the trick of the trade from Rames, who is the oldest player in the Super League at the age of 43 and had been the man behind his growth over the years.
“Rames and I are best friends. His work ethic is simple, which is to work hard. He always told me to give my all, and never give up.”
He also said that former national playmaker and the last Sarawakian to play for the national team Joseph had also been pivotal in his career.
“JKT (Joseph) is always there for me and every day, he texts me to focus on the game, training and life,” said Jimmy.
“For this tournament, he just told me to give my best and show that the state has what it takes to produce top quality players for Malaysia.”
“My friends and family have always supported me since I played professionally in 2016.
“I was a hurdler at first but once I got hooked on football, there was no stopping.”
And come Friday, Jimmy and Co will be relentless in their bid to overpower the Singaporean to seal a semis spot.
