Zainal Abidin Jamil (right)
PETALING JAYA: Lanky centreback Zainal Abidin Jamil (pic) was hailed for his swashbuckling performances for Petaling Jaya City last year. It was not a surprise to see him being snapped up by Negri Sembilan this season.
With almost similar physical features except for the hairstyle like their former centreback Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, who joined Selangor this year, many people believe the 23-year-old is the right replacement.
But the boy from Pahang simply said: “I hope the fans don’t compare me to Khuzaimi.”
Zainal said Khuzaimi is a defender who has his qualities in addition to being more experienced compared to him.
However, he is determined to continue boosting his career with Negri after two good seasons with PJ City.
“I know I came here to take the place of Khuzaimi, who moved to another team, but he and I are two different players,” he said.
“Here, many players are no less great like Nasrullah Haniff Johan, Annas Rahmat and even Herold Goulon.
“So my focus is to compete first in the team and get a place and hunt for minutes because there are no shortcuts as a new player.
“I hope the results with Negri Sembilan will make me more known in the Malaysian League stage and help this team get excellent results throughout the 2023 season.”
Zainal started his youth career at Felda United in 2020 before joining the PJ City President’s Cup squad the following season and was absorbed by coach P. Maniam into the Super League.
The 2022 season saw Zainal getting regular forays by making 20 appearances in total in the Malaysian League.
The absence of PJ City, who withdrew from this season’s competition initially, was a concern for Zainal in getting a new team.
Eventually, he got the call from Negri coach K. Devan, which he did not expect but one that gave him great delight.
The fact he is reunited with former PJ City mates like Mahalli Jasuli, R. Aroon Kumar, R. Barathkumar and Filemon Anyie also makes him happier as well.
“Thank you to Negri Sembilan, especially K. Devan, for believing in my potential to be with his squad this season,” he said.
“The tactics of Negri Sembilan and PJ City are not much different because they use a formation that places three central defenders, a tactical plan that I am already compatible with.
“Additionally, with many players from PJ City last season, I don’t think there is any problem with building understanding with teammates in a short time.”
