Fitri buoyant for qualifier after inspiring talks with brother Faizal

PETALING JAYA: Fitri Saari will be heading to Oman with renewed vigour following the rousing advice from his brother Faizal that this could be the year where Malaysia could return to the Olympics.

Faizal, one of the most senior players with 285 caps, was dropped from the Speedy Tigers’ squad due to gout and will miss the chance to join forces with Fitri at the Olympic Qualifiers in Muscat from Jan 15-25.

None of the players in the current squad has been to the Olympics as Malaysia’s last appearance in the major sporting extravaganza was 24 years ago at the edition in 2000 in Sydney.

Fitri hopes he will be able to live up to his brother’s faith in him and the team.

“Although Faizal will not be with me in Oman, he says this could be the best chance to qualify. It’s motivating as I’ve been out of the national team for three years,” said Fitri.

“It’s definitely frustrating for Faizal to miss an important tournament like this but he has taken the omission in his stride.

“He sees a genuine opportunity for us. Having played in the last three Olympic qualifiers, Faizal feels that we can finally end the long wait.

“We have trained hard for the qualifiers and if we can play to our strength, we are capable of securing one of the three spots to the Paris Games.”

Fitri himself suffered a similar fate at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year where he was forced to miss the event due to the left knee injury while Faizal was part of the squad.

It is a rare occasion for Faizal, 32, as he had not missed out on an important mission for Malaysia in his 13-year international career.

Malaysia must advance to the semi-finals from Group A consisting Britain, Pakistan and China to be one of the top three teams to head to Paris.

Germany and New Zealand are likely to advance to the semis from Group B consisting Canada and Chile before the all-important knockout stage.