WAN KUZAIN TORN BETWEEN PLAYING FOR THE US OR MALAYSIA
Wan Kuzain in a dilemma of choosing between Malaysia or the US
PETALING JAYA: Young football sensation Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal is in two minds whether to play for Malaysia or the United States.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer (MLS) said he had not closed any doors on future national call-ups from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
“My heritage is here and most of my family members are here. Malaysia is my motherland. I want to show kids here that it is possible to play at the highest level and what better way to do it by playing for Malaysia.
“But right now, it is still 50-50. It will be an honour to play for Malaysia, but I can play in the United States too. Both countries mean a lot to me. When the time comes, it will be a decision that will not be taken lightly,” he said.
Born to Malaysian parents in the United States, he has been following the Harimau Malaya’s progress in the AFF Suzuki Cup by watching the highlights and live streaming games.
Wan Kuzain was proud of Malaysia’s success in reaching the final and was impressed by the displays of Muhammad Akhyar Rashid and Muhammad Safawi Rasid.
“Both showed lots of confidence against defenders. It’ll be nice to play alongside them,” he said.
Wan Kuzain, who is adept as a playmaker or winger, said many of his former United States Under-17 teammates had been promoted to play in high-level tournaments and the sport has a great following in America now.
“Lots of guys I grew up with are playing for the United States. I hope one day I can play with or against them.
“I played with players like Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) and Weston McKennie (Schalke) a couple of years ago. I hope to reach their level one day,” said Wan Kuzain, who was loaned to Swope Park Rangers of the United Soccer League (USL) this year.
A product of the Sporting Kansas City Academy, Wan Kuzain began his career with Southern Illinois Futbol Club (SIFC – Force) before moving to the Saint Louis FC academy.
He also featured in short training stints with Dutch football club Feyenoord.
In the MSL, he featured for Sporting Kansas City six times and scored his first MLS goal on June 3 against Minnesota United in a 4–1 win.
Wan Kuzain said playing against the likes of Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney in the USL and MLS was an honour and surreal after having watched them play on the television in the past.
“I got significant minutes for Sporting Kansas City and also scored my first professional goal this year. Playing against the best players augurs well for my development.
“I’ve to keep working and learning to be a regular player for the club. I see my longterm future here, and I want to do my best in the league next season,” said the player, who is fondly known as “Kuz” or “The Wizard” by his teammates.