PJ City's goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi during the Super League match against JDT at Petaling Jaya Stadium last night. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. April 13, 2019.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor goalkeeper Kalamullah Al-Hafiz’s (pic) hands are full during the national team’s centralised training camp for the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Nepal on March 25.
He is is aware that he does not have the luxury of time to catch Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski’s eye to earn a starting spot.
First of all, he has to compete with other in-form custodians like Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Ahmad Syihan Hazmi and Perak’s Haziq Nadzli.
And then, there is celebrated Australian goalkeepers’ coach John Crowley, who was roped in by Cklamovski, to impress.
Crowley is renowned for producing top quality keepers Down Under like Matthew Ryan, who is the Socceroos’ first-choice netminder.
With such a challenging set-up, Kalamullah said he would have to make an instant impact if he wants to pip his rivals to a starting spot.
“Motivation is high for all the players under this new and challenging set-up. I’m learning a lot and working much harder to get in a good position for a chance to play against Nepal,’’ he said.
Kalamullah has been a standout for the Red Giants this season where he caught Cklamovski’s attention with some impressive saves in a 0-0 draw with Sabah in the Super League last month.
