PETALING JAYA: The stakes are high, the competition fierce – but national midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba is embracing every bit of it.
The 27-year-old is one of 38 players called up by national coach Peter Cklamovski for centralised training ahead of Malaysia’s pivotal third-round Group F 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
Before that high-stakes encounter with the Golden Dragons, Cklamovski will put his players through two friendly tests – first against world No. 72 Cape Verde on May 29 at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, and then a closed-door match on June 3 at Bukit Jalil.
The final 23-man squad will be trimmed after these warm-up games – and Syamer is determined to make the cut.
“I am excited to be back in the national setup, especially under coach Cklamovski and his team,” said Syamer, who spent last season on loan with Penang from Johor Darul Ta’zim.
“Every call-up is a chance to grow. I want to learn more about his tactical and technical philosophy, and hopefully contribute to a win over Vietnam.
“Healthy competition only brings out the best in players. It raises the training standards and gives the coaches more options. For me, this is a golden opportunity to test myself against the best and keep improving.”
He’ll need to stand out – the midfield roster is stacked.
Among those vying for a spot are Afiq Fazail, Nazmi Faiz Mansor, Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan, Nooa Laine, Haykal Danish, Mohamad Abu Khalil, Stuart Wilkin, Endrick Dos Santos, and Hector Hevel.
While Penang endured a turbulent Super League season, finishing 10th, Syamer was a consistent performer in the middle of the park.
Under coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail’s possession-oriented system, the tenacious midfielder impressed with his aggressive tackling, smart interceptions, crisp distribution, and tempo-setting play.
The centralised training camp will be conducted in three phases. The initial group of 28 players began training in Johor Baru on May 18, while a second batch – including regulars Matthew Davies, Romel Morales, and Arif Aiman Hanapi – will link up on May 25. Overseas-based players Dion Cools and Hevel are scheduled to join on June 1.
The squad will relocate to Kuala Lumpur on May 26 to complete preparations ahead of their biggest test yet – a clash that could shape Malaysia’s road to the 2027 Asian Cup.
