PETALING JAYA: Goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim (pic) was not wanted by Terengganu at the start of the season.
Instead of being demoralised, the 23-year-old Rahadiazli fought his way back and has now become a steady soldier under coach Badrul Afzan Razali in the Malaysian League.
In February, former coach Tomislav Steinbruckner told the youngster that he would not get a starting spot in the Super League and advised him to move out on-loan to get regular minutes of action.
The Croatian felt Rahadiazli needed a new environment to bounce back after a season to forget in 2023. The player, fondly known as Abey, was also vilified by home fans for several mistakes he had made.
But the lanky goalkeeper from Kuala Terengganu did not move out, instead he wanted to fight with the likes of Suhaimi Hussin and Syed Nasrulhaq Syed Bidin for a starting spot.
Rahadiazli, who stands 1.92m, had to wait long but eventually fought his way into the first XI after Steinbruckner resigned and Badrul took over the Turtles in October.
Since then, he has played seven games in all competitions, recording four clean sheets.
Badrul is delighted to see the rise of his young goalie and praised him even after the 0-4 loss to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-finals on Friday.
“So far, whenever he has played, he had saved us numerous times. Yes, even in the 0-4 defeat, he was superb if you ask me,” said Badrul.
“I told Abey that he has to keep this momentum going if he wants to remain in the first eleven. I just want him to be at his best in every game and we will be there to support him.
“I know some fans still lacked faith in him after his performance during the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup. Yes, he made one error against Negri Sembilan but what people fail to see is the manner he had bounced back.
“He was superb in that game except for that one mistake. Instead of focusing on that mistake, we must back the boy and not kill his spirit.’’
