Azrai shows he’s the perfect man to lead forward line

Marked man: Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (centre) dribbling past New Zealand players during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal is smiling a lot these days.

The national hockey player has earned his stripes as a leading striker after becoming the top scorer with eight goals at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh two weeks ago.

However, the 24-year-old wants to remain grounded and continue improving on his goal-poaching abilities.

“I am happy to have played my role at the Azlan Shah Cup and but I wouldn’t have done it without the opportunities created by my teammates,” said Azrai.

“I need to continue working hard to maintain my position in the squad.

Prior to the tournament, national head coach Sarjit Singh was looking for a younger player to support veteran striker Faizal Saari, 33.

And Azrai, nicknamed Boy, stepped up to the plate and showed he’s the right man for the job.

In fact, Azrai had not had the chance to assert his authority on the global stage despite making his debut at the 2019 Azlan Shah Cup.

Azrai was used to playing the supporting role with the senior strikers Faizal, Ashran Hamsani, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Shahril Saabah, Shello Silverius and Firhan Ashaari taking more prominence over the last few years.

The omission of Firhan, Shahril, Ashran from the squad and Shello forming the backbone of the midfield with Saari, Azrai has shown that he has the quality to lead the forward line. “A striker’s role is not just to score but also make a lot of circle penetration in order to win penalty corners and keep creating scoring chances,” said Azrai. “It doesn’t matter who scores but as long as the goals help Malaysia win matches.

“Fitness is an area I need to work as we face tougher opposition at the Nations Cup.”

Azrai is one of the 20 players provisionally registered for the Nations Cup in Poland from May 31-June 9 before the squad is trimmed to 18.

Malaysia are in Group B with France, Pakistan and Canada. They will play Pakistan in the first match on May 31.

New players in the list are second choice goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris, defenders Arief Syafie Ishak, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin and Faris Harizan, midfielder Syawal Abdul Razak and striker Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi.

Sarjit has promised to give all the 30 players in the national squad the chance to play international matches.

The few who have yet to get the opportunity should be included for the Asian Champions Trophy in Inner Mongolia from Sept 8-17.