FAISAL LIVING HIS DREAM
Unheralded left-back wins Dollah’s trust, set for FA Cup final against Kedah
AVIRTUAL unknown in Malaysian football, Faisal Rosli has proven to be an excellent talent which has seen him secure a regular berth in the new look star-studded Pahang side this year.
When Rompinborn Faisal was promoted from Shahzan Muda in 2013, the 26-yearold left-back found himself struggling to break into the first team due to the presence of several experienced players.
Last year when Pahang released more than a dozen key players, Faisal was outshone by the experienced Shahrizan Salleh and this year, no one gave him a chance as Pahang had secured the services of former international Zubir Azmi.
However, Faisal has been living his dream as he managed to prove himself to Dollah Salleh and the head coach has picked the hardworking player as his preferred left-back, starting every match in the Super League and FA Cup this year.
The father-oftwo, who was left on the bench during Pahang’s 2013 Malaysia Cup triumph and was not picked during the 2014 FA Cup final when Pahang beat Felda United, said he was excited over the prospect of featuring in his first major cup final against Kedah tomorrow.
“It has been a long story in my football career. I used to play part-time with a team in Rompin while working as a site supervisor before Tajuddin Nor (Shahzan Muda coach) spotted my talent and offered me a chance in the FAM league.
“Dollah Salleh (during his first stint) promoted me to Pahang in 2013 and I featured occasionally over the past four years. It is a special feeling to be part of the coach’s plan for every match and playing regularly this year,” he told Timesport yesterday.
Faisal said training and playing alongside some experienced defenders including Razman Roslan (now with Selangor) and Damion Stewart over the last few years helped improve his game and techniques.
It is a special feeling to be part of the coach’s plan for every match and playing regularly this year.
FAISAL ROSLI
Pahang left-back