PETALING JAYA: Penang FC defender Muhammad Adib Abdul Ra'op who received his maiden call up to the National squad's centralised training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asia Cup Qualifiers, was pleasantly surprised that National head coach Kim Pan Gon has been monitoring his performance.
Muhammad Adib who is excited by the opportunity to explore new horizons in his career with the Harimau Malaya squad said he was just giving his best to the Penang FC squad and unaware that his performance had caught the eyes of Pan Gon.
"I never expected to be watched by Pan Gon because I was just playing for Penang FC (Penang are not an elite team). What is important now is for me to prove what I am capable of and do it well," he said when met before the National squad's training session at the Wisma FAM field in Kelana Jaya, here today (May 30).
Earlier, Pan Gon had said he was closely monitoring the development and performance of Muhammad Adib since last season and described the player as someone who had his own capabilities which is required for the team.
"Since he (Pan Gon) has given me an opportunity, I must seize the opportunity and preserve that position by giving my best and show what a 25-year-old player like me can offer because there are many young players in the team and fighting to make an impact.
"I am very happy and proud to be in the squad. I believe the hard work, the blessings and prayers of my parents has been rewarded. I am also thankful to Pan Gon for giving me the opportunity. The call up has also made my parents proud because they did not expect the call up. However, they have advised me to work hard and keep praying for success," he said.
In the qualifiers, Malaysia will face Kyrgyzstan at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek in a Group D match on June 6 before hosting Taiwan in their final group match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 11.
After four matches, Malaysia are in third position in Group D with six points while Kyrgyzstan top the group with nine points, the same as second place Oman and Taiwan remain rooted at the bottom of Group D with no points. — BERNAMA