IPOH — National hockey forward Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal is ready to step into Faizal Saari’s shoes if the experienced forward decides to retire from the game in the years to come.
The 24-year-old player, who developed an interest in the sport during his high school days at SMK Anderson in Ipoh, Perak, has scored 24 goals in 71 appearances for the Speedy Tigers since making his debut in 2019.
The versatile striker, who emerged as the back-to-back top scorer in the last two editions of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) with a total of 72 goals under his belt, has been in scintillating form at the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, scoring four goals in the last two matches against Pakistan and Canada.
Speaking to Scoop, Azrai aims to emulate the success of his idol and teammate Faizal, who has made significant contributions to the game over the years.
Azrai further aims to surpass Faizal’s national goal-scoring record in the years to come through his sheer determination and hard work.
“I know I have been scoring goals for the national team, but I have the mentality to improve upon my previous performances. Faizal has been my biggest idol since before I started playing for the Speedy Tigers, and it’s an honour for me to share the field with him.
“I learn a lot from him every day, and he doesn’t need to worry if he suddenly retires from the game because I’m always ready to step into his role as long as I’m playing for the national team.
“The number of goals Faizal has scored for the national team over the years is unbelievable. But I’m getting there. If I put in the same effort as him, who knows? One day, I might even surpass his record.
“I also have the ambition to become the top scorer in the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. If I can achieve the top scorer title in the MHL, I’m confident I can replicate that success in this tournament as well,” said Azrai when met.
Faizal is among four senior players above the age of 30 – along with Fitri Saari, Marhan Jalil, and Hafizuddin Othman – who are in head coach Sarjit Singh’s new team, which has an average age of 25.
The 31-year-old Faizal has scored a total of 141 goals for Malaysia in 287 appearances.
For the record, the Speedy Tigers made history when they ended a 39-year wait to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time after defeating South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 final.
Malaysia previously finished second five times in the 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013, and 2014 editions since the tournament was first held in 1983.
Malaysia will take on New Zealand in their third match later today. — May 7, 2024