PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur rightback Kamal Azizi Zabri (pic) thought he had done enough to earn a national call-up but the nod never came.
The 32-year-old Kamal, who has been ever-present for his club this season, admitted that he was disappointed after being overlooked for the Asian Cup qualifier game between Malaysia and Vietnam tomorrow.
“It’s good to be in the first 11 for every match with my club, but it’s disappointing that I didn’t get a call-up to the national team,” said Kamal.
“I wasn’t even listed as a standby player. Honestly, I was down when the recent call-ups were announced.”
Since joining the City Boys in 2021, Kamal has been a pillar in defence, playing a key role in their Malaysia Cup triumph that year, as well as their run to the AFC Cup final in 2022 and the FA Cup final in 2023.
Kamal, fondly known as Ayoy, has taken his performances to another level this season by featuring in 25 matches across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists.
In the Super League, he has started every game at rightback, underlining his importance to coach Risto Vidakovic’s plans.
Standing at 1.68m tall, Kamal is known for his combative style and is regarded as one of the league’s best man-to-man defenders, often making life difficult for opposing wingers with his pressing and tough challenges.
“Previously, I played regularly but did not contribute with goals or assists. This year, I have added that to my game and given more than in previous seasons,” he said. “So when you do your best and still don’t get what you want, it hurts but I will keep chasing that dream.”
Determined to turn his recent disappointment into motivation, Kamal is now focused on helping Kuala Lumpur secure a second-place finish in the league.
The team are currently fourth in the league with 39 points, four points behind second-placed Selangor.
“Hopefully, with consistent performances, it will lead to something - maybe a national call-up in the future,” he added.
Kuala Lumpur will next take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg at the Cheras Football Stadium on Friday.
