KUALA LUMPUR: History was created when Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal made its professional debut in United Soccer League in America last week, making him the first Malaysian to ever play in US football league.
Wan Kuzain, dubbed the ‘Malaysian Messi’, bearing number 75 on his jersey, was named in the starting eleven for his club Swope Park Rangers against OKC Energy FC at Children’s Mercy Victory Field in Kansas City, Missouri.
The 18-year old, born in Carbondale, Illinois anchored the midfield for 75 minutes in a 3-1 win before being substituted.
His father Professor Dr Wan Kamal Napi in an interview with local daily Harian Metro said Wan Kuzain’s first appearance in the second tier of American football league was praised by coaches and teammates.
“Coaches and teammates praised him and felt that his first appearance was really good,”
“I hardly praise him but after witnessing his performance, he deserves the credit,” said Wan Kamal.
Wan Kuzain had previously trained with Dutch Eredivisie club Feyenoord’s Academy. He played Academy football with St. Louis Gallagher Soccer Club, notching up eight goals in 27 appearances in the 2015-16 Development Academy season.
He then signed an Academy contract with USL side Saint Louis FC and made two appearances for the club’s PDL U-23 team. In 2016, he was signed by Swope Park Ranges as an Academy. He also represented the US Under-17 National team in 2015.