PETALING JAYA: The nerves were real. Luka Jordy Hodak will admit as much.
Stepping onto the pitch as a substitute for Malaysia’s Under-19 side, the 17-year-old winger felt the weight of the moment, his first cap, his first taste of international football.
His father, the former Malaysia Under-19 coach Bojan Hodak, who recently made history in Indonesia by being the first coach to win three consecutive Super League titles with Persib Bandung, had never worn the national jersey with Croatia.
The son now has taken the first step with Malaysia, for an age group side with the hope of donning the senior colours one day.
“I got a bit nervous, I have to be honest,” Luka said after his debut in Malaysia’s 4-0 rout of Brunei in the AFF Under-19 Championship.
“I didn’t play well at first, but towards the end of the game, I got the hang of it. I’m just happy to have had my debut.”
The Damansara-born teenager, who trains with the NK Trnje Zagreb youth academy, was brought into the squad for international exposure and he arrived carrying a surname that precedes him.
But Luka is quick to separate himself from the shadow. When asked how much influence his father had on his footballing path, his answer was telling.
“To be honest, not so much. He never asked me to be a footballer, he wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer,” Luka said with a grin.
“But when I come to him with questions, he always answers them. He’s a good teacher, I guess.”
“I’ve got some work to do, but I’m just happy to play for Malaysia - because that’s something my father didn’t do.”
The side opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Singapore before dismantling Brunei 4-0. However, a 2-3 defeat to Thailand in their final group match saw them finish second in Group B, ending their campaign at the group stage.
Under the tournament format, only group leaders advance automatically to the semi-finals. The fourth semi-final spot is decided among the three second-placed teams, with results against last-placed sides discounted.
Cambodia pipped Malaysia on goal difference to claim that berth.
