Sabah footballer to play in Asean Under-18
Mohd Nasip Mohammad Zain has pledged his utmost best when he represents Malaysia in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-18 Championship.
Mohd Nasip Mohammad Zain has pledged his utmost best when he represents Malaysia in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-18 Championship.
The highly talented forward made the remark after he was named in the national under-18 23-man squad for the championship, which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from August 5-19.
“I was extremely happy when I learnt that I made it to the final squad of the national under-18 team (under head coach Brad Maloney).
“I’m really thankful to my parents, family, coaches, teachers and friends for the supports they have given me to chase my football dream.
“I could not have reached this level if not for them...thank you also to the coaches who have trained andguided me, thus making Sabah football proud.
“Lastly, I will give my utmost best when donning the national colours and pray for me and the squad for a successful championship,” he texted yesterday.
Mohd Nasip burst onto the state scene with the Sabah under-19 squad playing in the just concluded Youth Cup challenge.
While it had not been a good campaign for the team, Mohd Nasip’s selection ensured the squad under Billyton Vun had something to cheer on.
“I’m proud that Mohd Nasip has made the national under-18 final squad,” the former state winger said yesterday.
“It is not easy to get into the top 34 (and later 35) players for the training camp-cumselection let alone to make the tournament squad.
“He was extremely happy when he called me up last night (Wednesday) to inform of his selection,” he added.
Billyton said the player had at one time felt homesick and wanted to withdraw from the squad despite surviving the first screening where eight players were dropped.
But, Billyton has been able to keep him motivated during their frequent telephone conversation.
“As the coach, I think it was only right that to give him the motivation to keep fighting for his place.
“He did just that. I think with the individual talent, discipline and commitment that he has, he is in the right place with the national under-18 squad.
“I wish him the best in Vietnam and hopefully his selection will inspire other young players in Sabah.
“Mohd Nasip’s selection is really a positive sign to football development in the state,” he said.
For the record, Malaysia under-19 have been drawn in Group B of the AFF U-18 Championship where they will face hosts Vietnam on August 7, Cambodia (August 11), Australia (August 13) and Thailand August 15.