Full of potential: Selangor II striker Abdul Rahman Daud is currently the joint-top scorer of the A1 Semi-Pro League with 13 goals.
PETALING JAYA: Could Abdul Rahman Daud be the man to deliver the goals Malaysia desperately need at the Thailand SEA Games – and perhaps even the long-awaited gold when the tournament ends?
It’s a tall order, but the 20-year-old has shown exactly why many see him as the natural heir to Malaysia’s famed No. 9 jersey, long worn by the nation’s most feared finishers.
For Harimau Muda, that role demands not just goals, but presence, poise, and personality – qualities Rahman has shown in abundance this season.
The Selangor II striker is currently the joint-top scorer of the A1 Semi-Pro League with 13 goals, sharing the summit with Kelantan Red Warriors’ Emmanuel Mbarga.
Turning 21 today, Rahman has plenty to celebrate, but he knows the challenge ahead is far greater than league accolades and birthday wishes.
Born in Syria to a Malaysian father and Italian mother, Rahman’s footballing education has always been a blend of cultures, competition, and constant movement.
Now settled in Malaysia, he understands that leading the line for Harimau Muda and one day for Harimau Malaya will require another leap in maturity.
And he welcomes it.
“Healthy competition between me, Fergus (Tierney) and Haqimi (Azim Rosli) helps us keep improving,” he said.
“I feel I’ve earned the coach’s trust through the work I’ve put in this season.
“Now it’s about making the most of any chance I get and strengthening my reputation as a goalscorer.”
Rahman speaks with confidence – not the loud kind, but the quiet assurance of someone who has done the extra sessions, the video reviews, the hours in the gym. Someone ready for the next level.
“The SEA Games are definitely a major tournament and have very high value,” he said.
“I need to show my quality to continue convincing the coaches and to further develop my career by always improving and adapting to higher-level games, so that one day I can become Malaysia’s No. 9.
“That’s definitely the dream, and I believe I’m on the right track.”
He also believes the team are shaping up well despite some hiccups.
“Preparations are going smoothly even with the weather challenges and a few absent players,” he said.
“But everyone is committed and ready to bring success at the SEA Games.”
For now, Rahman stands on the brink – one goal, one chance, one moment away from stepping into a role Malaysia have waited far too long to fill.
