Practice makes perfect: Ahmad Syihan Hazmi at a training session at the Qatar University field. Left: Farizal Marlias and Khairulazhan Khalid have given Syihan a lot of encouragement. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: National No. 1 goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi is grateful to old hands for keeping faith in him.
Before flying to Doha for the ongoing Asian Cup, the 27-year-old Syihan received messages of encouragement from many goalies in the country, including former internationals like Farizal Marlias and Khairulazhan Khalid and it has done wonders to his confidence.
They chatted on how to deal with expectations during international tournaments.
And Syihan believes the support will go a long way.
“The previous keepers have sent messages to me,” said Syihan.
“Farizal, Khairulazhan and the others gave me a lot of encouragement and shared their take on the international scene. I learnt a great deal from these players.
“The ones in the squad like Azri (Ghani) and Sikh Izhan (Nazrel Sikh Azman) have also been motivating and keeping me focused during training sessions.
“Even those from the other clubs have been good to us.
“The goalkeeping union in Malaysia is pretty close-knit. We are small but really united.”
Syihan is expected to be the first-choice keeper for Malaysia when they take on Jordan in their first Group E game at the Al-Janoub Stadium on Monday.
The Johor Darul Ta’zim player is the most experienced goalie among the three in the squad.
“From the first day until now, the boys have set their mind for the first game. We are grateful for the support back home, it will help us to bring out our best,” he said. “We hope to carry ourselves well and collect points in the first game. We have to stay focused when we take on the Jordanians.
“Whether we play in a lower-level meet or a top-level competition, we have to give more than 100%.”
