PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s United States-based footballer Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal could turn out to be the Harimau Malaya’s unexpected hero in their AFF Hyundai Cup Group B clash against the Philippines today.
With the absence of several players due to injury, it looks promising that the 27-year-old could be making his first start for the national team.
Wan Kuzain had already made his mark when he scored his first international goal in Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Laos last month, and is eager to contribute more.
“Whatever minutes I get, five, 20, or 90 minutes, I make the most of it,” said Wan Kuzain, who plays for Sporting Club Jacksonville in Major League Soccer.
“I intend to contribute more for the team.
“I’ve been doing it by coming on as a substitute and if I get to start, it will be a bigger opportunity for me.’’
Wan Kuzain said representing Malaysia is a meaningful achievement not just for himself, but for his family as well.
“I’m a fan of Malaysian football, and now I have the chance to wear the national jersey, represent the country and my family.
“It means so much to me and my family to represent Malaysia. My dad is from Kelantan and my mum is from outside of Kuala Lumpur. So it means the world to me to represent the country,” he said.
He added that being part of the national set-up was a special experience and is proud to see how the team operate.
“It’s been an amazing camp so far, just to be around the staff and players,’’ added Wan Kuzain.
“It’s all new experiences for me and it’s amazing to see how professional everything is.
It’s like what I’m used to in America and it’s really cool to see.
“I’m just continuing to learn and being a sponge to soak it all in.”
