Syamer to treat senior call-up as learning process

PETALING JAYA: Midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba intends to use his first national senior team call-up to “watch and learn”.

Syameer is among the six players from the national Under-23 squad called up for the centralised training camp ahead of the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers Group B match against Hong Kong on Oct 10.

The Penangite, who will report for training at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Wednesday, knows he faces an impossible task of breaking into the starting XI.

So, he’d rather “absorb” everything he can from the centralised camp.

“To be honest, it’s quite impossible for me to make the starting XI. So I’ll just go and observe and learn from the established players. This experience will definitely make me a better player,” said Syameer, who will celebrate his 20th birthday today.

Syameer, who played a key role in helping the Under-23 team win the silver medal at the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last month, admitted that the call-up came as a surprise, especially after his Penang team were relegated from the Super League this season.

“I’m quite surprised to get the call-up because I couldn’t help Penang from being demoted to the Premier League. It’s heartbreaking to see my state team go down despite our hard work,” said Syameer yesterday.

Syameer will have some familiar faces to help him integrate at the centralised training camp as he will have five others from the Under-23 squad with him. They are midfielder Nor Azam Abdul Azih, rightback Matthew Davies, goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim, defender Adam Norasli and striker Safawi Rasid.

Syameer said that he had spoken to his Penang teammate S. Kumaahran, who had featured with the senior team last year, on what to expect.

“Kumaahran has given me some pointers. I know what to expect now,” said the former Penang Free School student.

“The six of us will use this call-up to prepare for the Under-23 team’s next assignment – the AFC Under-23 Championship in China next year.”