PETALING JAYA: Midfielder Ryan Lambert (pic) has long dreamed of wearing the famed black and yellow jersey of Harimau Malaya since moving to Malaysia in 2021.
Now, after five years of hard work and patience, that dream has finally come true for the 27-year-old.
The Kuala Lumpur player will now get to join his twin brother Declan, who had made his debut for the national team in 2022 and has since gone on to win five caps.
For Lambert, the wait was longer and perhaps harder but he never allowed it to turn into frustration.
Instead, he channelled it into his football.
“I’m glad I will finally get to represent my country by being in the squad. It means a lot,” said Lambert, whose father is English and mother Malaysian.
“The intensity of training is heavier here, it was hard at first as I had not trained properly for a week due to the break and illness too.
“But overall, it was good to see how things are done here.”
Lambert believed his patience, persistence, and quiet belief had finally paid off. His consistent performances and leadership for the City Boys, had not gone unnoticed by head coach Peter Cklamovski.
And when national team regular Afiq Fazail was unavailable following the birth of his third child, Cklamovski did not hesitate to turn to Lambert.
Competition for midfield spots is fierce, but Lambert is not looking too far ahead.
“They’re all great players,” he said simply, his words reflecting both humility and quiet confidence.
As Malaysia prepare for their Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifier against Nepal at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 18, Lambert stands ready.
For Lambert, the wait was long. But the jersey, at last, feels just right.
