KUZAIN IN NO HURRY

‘American Messi’ just wants to enjoy the game despite garnering national attention

WAN Kuzain Wan Kamal’s professional debut with United Soccer League’s (USL) club Swope Park Rangers has grabbed attention in Malaysia.

However, the 19-year-old just wants to enjoy the game and take the next step forward as he aims to play for a Major Soccer League (MSL) team one day.

Known as “American Messi”, he has huge ambitions as he also dreams of playing in the World Cup.

His father, Wan Kamal Napi said the next step for his son is the MLS or Europe.

“I don’t know about playing for Malaysia… can’t say more right now. It is totally different when it comes to competitive football in Malaysia.

“It differs not just in the players’ mentality but the structures and organisational behaviour are not the same compared to the United States.

“So far, no one from Malaysia has approached Wan Kuzain.

“He was born here and so I cannot say anything about moving back to Malaysia. My son prefers to take thing slowly and decide later over his future,” Wan Kamal told Timesport from Chicago yesterday.

Wan Kamal said Wan Kuzain is expected to enrol at Akron University in Ohio in September.

“The university is the No 1 institution for football in the US. He will probably be majoring in business and computer science.

“Wan Kuzain, however, must decide between university and playing football professionally. He has plenty of time to decide before the September intake. I will leave it to him to make a decision,” he said.

The left-footed midfielder started and played for 75 minutes on his professional debut in the 3-1 win over OKC Energy FC last weekend.

Wan Kuzain topped the charts for most accurate passing in week one of the USL at 96.1 per cent.

“He made a mark in the match. His main trademark is accuracy in passing.

“He is still a kid and is learning all aspects of becoming a good footballer.

“At five feet 11 inches, he is tall and naturally fits well for football,” said Wan Kamal, adding that his son picked up the game when he was four years old.

In 2015, Wan Kuzain was invited to join the US Under-17 World Cup training squad but missed the tournament in Chile due to injury.