Youngster Nur Ain steps up to help Selangor beat Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR: Nur Ain Balqis Mohd Shamsul (pic) is only 13 but she showed great composure in her debut for Selangor in the Razak Cup.

Nur Ain, who is the youngest player in the team, kept to the pace of her seniors as Selangor won their first Group B match by beating Melaka 2-1 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Nurul Natasha Fairuz was the heroine for Selangor when she scored two goals in the second and 16th minute while Nurul Farawahida Marzuki netted Melaka’s consolation in the 27th minute.

The day however, belonged to Nur Ain. The Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) student and trainee said she was nervous when she entered the field, but with the guidance of her seniors and coach Ikmal Abdul Jabar, she adapted well and hopes to get more minutes in the tournament.

“To be honest with you, when I was selected to play for this match, I was shellshocked,” said Nur Ain.

“Being the youngest and inexperienced, I was nervous, but they told me to be brave.

“My coach told me to bring the ball forward often and told me not be too modest even though I’m the youngest in the team.

“With some minutes in the bag now, I hope to give my best and also score goals.”

Ikmal said only two players are above the age of 21 as he had retained the core of the team who won the Malaysia Games (Sukma) gold in Perak last year.

“We have a youthful squad because we want these young girls to have a high-level exposure and bring that experience to Sukma Johor next year,” said Ikmal.

“Our captain Nurul Safiqah Mat Isa is 24, and Ellya Syahirah Ellias, 22, and I’m banking on them to guide these girls.

“I hope the youngsters will learn from them and become better.

“I became the coach in 2017 and we won the Razak Cup that year.

“Last year, we were the runners-up. I aim to get into the final, but for now, I’m telling the girls to take one game at a time.”

Selangor will be out to pull off their second win in the group against Terengganu today to ensure a smooth passage to the semi-finals of the competition.