PETALING JAYA: Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal (pic) is ready to bring with him the never-say-die mentality he built over a lifetime in the United States when he finally dons Malaysian colours.
The 27-year-old, who played for Sporting JAX in the USL Championship in Illinois, has earned his first call-up to the national team and could feature in Malaysia’s opening AFF Hyundai Cup Group B match against Myanmar at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon tomorrow.
Kuzain, who has been playing professionally in the US since 2016, said he was excited to play for the country.
“Living in America almost my whole life, you develop this ‘never-say-die’ attitude where no matter if you’re small or skinny, you always have a chance.
“Whether you’re playing against Brazil, Argentina, or whoever, it’s 11 against 11. That’s the mentality I’ll always bring – fight until you can’t fight anymore.”
The midfielder, who was born in Carbondale in US to Malaysian parents, admitted he has barely stopped smiling since linking up with the squad.
“It’s been a long time coming. I’m so excited... It’s a great feeling to represent your country, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Kuzain’s path to representing Malaysia was not straightforward, with eligibility issues delaying his international bow, especially in 2019 when he was supposed to play in the SEA Games under then Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee.
“We all know it hasn’t been an easy road to get to where we are now,” he said.
“I’m just happy to finally be here, talk to everyone, and hopefully make my debut in a couple of days.
“The 2019 documentation setback was a good thing and a bad thing... not being able to play in the tournament or represent the country back then was hard.
“But it’s God’s timing. My time is now, so let’s make it the best time.”
On the squad he has joined, Kuzain was upbeat: “It’s a team with a good blend of experience and younger players, a squad trying to find its niche. We’ll have a good tournament and give it everything we can.”
With several regulars unavailable, Kuzain sees an opportunity.
“In sports, it’s always ‘next man up.’ A lot of key players from the past couple of years aren’t here, so now it’s up to the rest of us to step up.”
Meanwhile, when asked if he was keen on a move to the Malaysian league one day, he said it was not out of the question.
“You never know... My brother (Wan Kuzri plays for Negri Sembilan) has had really good things to say about playing here.
“If an offer comes across the table, we’ll entertain it.”
Kuzain also spoke fondly of his younger brother.
“He might actually be the best player in the family.
“If he shows out this season, I’m sure great things are coming his way.”
