Cup final is chance for Syamer to revive career

PETALING JAYA: Syamer Kutty Abba hopes the Malaysia Cup final will be the impetus to revive his sagging career.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has had a topsy-turvy season with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and the national team, said qualifying for the final has given him renewed motivation to move forward.

And Syamer could play a role on Saturday as the Southern Tigers take on Kedah at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The Penangite has been criticised for his insipid performances with the Harimau Malaya in the 2022 World Cup-2023 Asian Cup qualifiers and has been used sparingly by his club.

But Syamer is taking it all in his stride as he believes what he is going through at the moment will make him a better player.

“I will be criticised and even abused at times but that will not bring me down. I’m in this game for a reason.

“I know what I’m capable of, but I need to learn to become better.

“No one moves forward without learning. I am being patient to ensure that I have a good career ahead of me.”

Syamer said the Malaysia Cup competition has been memorable for him thus far.

“When I was with Penang, I didn’t even get to play in the competition,” he said.

“Last year, I made my Cup debut with JDT and we only made it to the quarter-finals. This time around, we are in the final.”

The midfielder, who is known for his high work rate, said when they beat Selangor 3-0 in the second leg at Shah Alam to enter the final, there was a huge sigh of relief from all the players.

“The hard work throughout the year has paid off. We are now a win away from sealing a double.”

Syamer said Kedah are a dangerous side although they are in the process of rebuilding.

“The won the FA Cup so that says something about them. They’re a top, top side.

“They’ve done well this year and one thing that sets them apart from the others are their never-say-die attitude. They fight to the end.

“I’m sure it will be a good final.”