Stepping up: Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi (right) at a training session ahead of the Merdeka Tournament starting on Friday. — GLENN GUAN /The Star
PETALING JAYA: Mukhairi Ajmal has an extra motivation to do well in the Merdeka Tournament on Friday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 21-year-old, who played at the Under-23 continental level, wants to make the Harimau Malaya final squad and compete in the Asian Cup in Qatar in January.
And the best way to stake his claim is to impress at the Merdeka Tournament.
Mukhairi captained the Malaysian squad in the Asian Under-23 tournament in Uzbekistan last year.
Mukhairi up close.
He made his senior debut in 2021 but the winger wants to establish himself in the senior squad.
“I’m very proud to be part of the national Under-23 and national senior squads that played at the continental level. I played in the Asian Under-23 tournament last year and my next goal is to play in the Asian Cup in January,” said Mukahiri.
“I hope that we can win the Merdeka Tournament as the tournament is making a comeback after 10 years and if we achieve it, it will also be my first success with the senior squad.
“Everything depends on the coach (Kim Pan-gon) but I will give my best at the Merdeka Tournament to give myself the opportunity to make the final squad of the Asian Cup.”
Mukhairi was 11 when the previous Merdeka Tournament was won by the Under-23 side as he recalled watching current national teammate Junior Eldstal playing in the final in Kuantan.
“I was very young and watched the Merdeka Tournament on television where current player Eldstal was in action,” recalled Mukhairi.
“I have maintained a good rapport with Eldstal and I like the way he guides and motivates the younger players to do well.”
Mukhairi can look forward to Eldstal, one of the senior defenders in the team at 32, for guidance.
Malaysia will playing against India in their opening match where Mukhairi will have to make an impact if he wants to remain in Pan-gon’s plans for the Asian Cup.
