Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba in action for Penang. - Photo by Penang FC
PETALING JAYA: When you have a brother who plays week in, week out for his state in the Super League, you are bound to be inspired. Ahmad Haziq Kutty Abba certainly is.
The younger brother of national footballer Syamer Kutty Abba has helped Penang qualify for the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) as they take on Federal Territories at the Mukah Stadium today.
Syamer, 27, a defensive midfielder, also plays for Penang on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, has been a regular starter for the team and has impressed many with his performances, especially in terms of his defensive output."I always talk to him every day, asking for his advice," said the 19-year-old Haziq.
"He always tells me to enjoy each game and not to stress myself. He also wants me to get the gold medal for Penang."
Haziq, who started as an attacking midfielder, has been deployed as a rightback in the games and has adjusted to the change well.
He helped Penang keep two clean sheets and will hope to put up another good performance against the Federal Territories.
"It is not my usual position but I am doing well," said Haziq, a former Penang Free School student.
"This is my first Sukma, so I am grateful for this opportunity and I intend to use it wisely. It's a new experience and I am kind of growing as a player.
"The team are progressing well, the players and coaches are giving their maximum effort in each game. Hopefully, we can qualify for the next round."
Haziq, whose favourite footballers are national midfielder Afiq Fazail from JDT and England's Jude Bellingham, said Penang have what it takes to go far.
"For sure it is going to be tough since each team have prepared well but we have a winning mentality."
