Kamarul redeems himself

being made the butt of jokes due to a horrendous mistake in a previous game, Kuala Lumpur goalkeeper Kamarul Effandi Rahim delivered the perfect response by shutting out Johor DarulTa’zim (JDT) in Cheras yesterday.

Kamarul made eight saves in the match as KL won 1-0 for their first Super League win.

Kamarul’s display made up for allowing a bouncing ball to soar over his head in KL’s 2-0 defeat to Negri Sembilan on Wednesday.

“I used it as a source of motivation as even world class goalkeepers make mistakes,” said Kamarul, who has made 14 appearances for KL since last season.

“So I have no problem about being criticised.

“I still have a lot to learn but in this team, we work together to win.

“I admit I am surprised we won but in football anything can happen. Whoever is steadier in the game deserves to win.

“There is still a long way to go in the league and we don’t know what is going to happen.

“We will go game by game. As for the national team, it’s not my decision.”

KL coach Fabio Maciel is glad that Kamarul has proven his critics wrong.

“He is one of the best goalkeepers around and he deserves a chance with the national team.

“People say he made a mistake against Negri but I told him to play high up to give the defence cover.

“People judge him by one mistake but I don’t have any doubts about him,” said Maciel.