Players not distracted by money and success
NATIONAL Under-22 football skipper Adib Zainuddin feels that all the accolades and rewards they have received will not derail their Sea Games campaign starting on Monday.
The central defender said the players are focused on laying their hands on the gold, which last came Malaysia’s way six years ago in Jakarta after a tense penalty shoot-out.
“We would like to thank the Sultan of Johor (Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar) and the FA of Malaysia’s management for rewarding us after our Bangkok feat.
“We have also received accolades from various quarters and fans, and we believe that giving our best, and a positive outing will justify their faith in us even more,” said Adib.
After qualifying for the final round of the Asian Under-23 tournament in China next year for the first time, coach Ong Kim Swee’s charges each received RM25,000 from FAM and RM6,000 from Sultan Ibrahim.
With only four days to their opening Sea Games match against Brunei in Group A at the Shah Alam Stadium, Adib believes his team-mates have given their best in training and this has made Kim Swee’s job of selecting the final squad much harder.
“We know we will face tough challenges at the games, and there is a healthy competition right now among teammates for places.
“No player is indispensable, including myself, and the coach will have many options when he selects the best 20 players tomorrow (today),” said the FELCRA FC player. Aziman Rosdi