Indra rolls back the years to show what’s he’s got
By JOASH EE DE SILVA PETALING JAYA: Indra Putra Mahayuddin (pic) is 33 and has been plying his trade in top flight football for 16 years.
But don’t expect him to hang up his boots any time soon.
The football nomad is still going strong, having played with six different teams since making his debut for Perak in 1999.
The versatile Indra showed that he has lost none of his predatory instincts when he bagged a hattrick for Felda United in their 4-0 win over Armed Forces in a Super League match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Wednesday.
“I still feel great and fit after all these years ... I don’t intend to stop playing any time soon. I can continue playing for another three to four years,” said the national winger.
Felda United coach Irfan Bakti was spot-on with his tactics when he unleashed Indra after a goalless first-half.
Indra came on as a substitute in the 46th minute for Muhd Hadin Azman before finding the net in the 67th, 83rd and 86th minutes. Liberian Zah Rahan Krangar added the fourth goal in the 88th minute.
He scored his first from the penalty spot after speedy winger Christie Jayaseelan was brought down by Badrul Hisham Sufian inside the box.
Indra then doubled the score with a powerful shot past Armed Forces goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussein in the 83rd minute before knocking in a rebound after Syed Adney had saved his spot kick three minutes later.
“We struggled in the first half but found our rhythm with a simple passing game in the second half. The opening goal gave us more confidence to be more attacking. I’m happy with the hattrick but I couldn’t have done it without my team-mates.”
Asked how he maintains his fitness, he replied: “At my age, I must discipline myself to get enough sleep and have a proper diet with lots of vitamins.
“Now, I want to go on and score more goals to help Felda improve in the standings.”
Felda are fourth in the 12-team Super League standings with 25 points – trailing leaders Pahang by eight points.
Last season, Indra played a sterling role to help Felda United win promotion to the Super League.
The club side finished second in the 2014 Malaysia Premier League.