Thanks for the memories: Sabah captain Baddrol Bakhtiar acknowledging the crowd’s cheers after playing his last game for the club in the Super League match against Pahang.
PETALING JAYA: Baddrol Bakhtiar is usually calm and composed, and never emotional but on Saturday, the Sabah captain broke down in tears.
His stint over 18 months with the Rhinos ended on Saturday after playing in his last match that saw the Borneo club thrashing Pahang 4-0.
“My tears have finally fallen in Likas,” he had said to the thousands of fans who turned up at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
Darren Lok made sure Baddrol’s swansong was a memorable one when he scored two goals in the ninth and 65th minutes while the other goals came from Ramon Machado (43rd) and Stuart Wilkin (69th).
The 35-year-old Baddrol came on as a second-half substitute in the 80th minute, replacing South Korean midfielder Park Tae-su.
Darren Lok made sure Baddrol’s swansong was a memorable one when he scored twice in the 4-0 win. — Bernama
After the final whistle, those in the stadium chanted Baddrol’s name and he eventually gave a speech and thanked everyone.
He had joined them in January last year and played 42 games over two seasons, and scored 13 goals.
“I’m grateful that we managed to get three important points in my last game. It’s an unforgettable victory and a wonderful send-off too,” he said.
“I want to thank the officials, coaches and teammates and wish them success in the AFC Cup.
“Not forgetting the fans in Sabah. They are our strength and inspiration.’’
Baddrol did not reveal much on his future plans.
“The game against Pahang will not be the last in my football career. I will still play after this but I want to complete one mission first.
‘‘We will announce soon where I’m headed after this,” he said.
Some sources claim that the 35-year-old could return to Kedah but not to don the Canaries’ colours – instead, he may be seen in a suit and tie in the state assembly.
It is also learnt that Baddrol may even contest in the state elections on Aug 12.
Datuk Ong Kim Swee hailed Baddrol.
“He is not only good a player on the field but he is a leader too but we must respect his wishes,” said Kim Swee.
“We will lose someone influential in the dressing room. He has done well for the club since last year.”
As for Baddrol’s replacement, Kim Swee said: “It depends on the management but if we have the budget, we will be strengthening the team.”
Sabah remain fifth in the league with 33 points but are just one point behind third-placed Kedah, who have 34 points.
Pahang also have 34 points, but are fourth behind Kedah on goal difference.
