Gary Praying Hard For Injur-Free Spell SEA Games

7 Mei, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder Gary Steven Robbat is praying for a clean bill of health for the Singapore SEA Games.

The 23-year-old former Harimau Muda A playmaker has every reason to be cautious. He has, after all, missed the boat twice because of injuries – forcing him to be dropped from the SEA Games squads to Indonesia (2011) and Myanmar (2013).

“I was frustrated at missing the last two Games,” said Gary, who watched his team-mates win the gold in Indonesia.

Gary now has one final chance to go for glory in the biennial event – at the Singapore Games from May 30-June 15.

“I’m relieved to be injury-free this time,” said Gary after a workout with the national Under-23 training squad at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya.

“The Singapore SEA Games mean a lot to me because it’s my last chance to play in the Under-23 competition. I want to win a place in the final squad (20 players) and return home with the gold medal.”

National Under-23 coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee will drop nine trainees when he names his final 20 next week.

Defensive midfielder Gary is one of the more experienced players in the squad, having been with the national team in the Incheon Asian Games and AFF Suzuki Cup last year.

Gary will also have to make up for his lack match of fitness after serving a ban from Jan 16 to April 12 after being found guilty of signing multiple contracts with JDT and Pahang before being released from the Harimau Muda A squad.

Since signing a new contract with JDT, he has only played once.

Gary is positive about finding his form.

“I may lack match fitness but coach Ong is preparing some friendlies for us and I hope to use those matches to regain my touch,” he said.

The Under-23 squad are set to play a friendly against Sabah on May 15. They also have two more friendlies yet to be confirmed.

In the Singapore Games, Malaysia are in Group B, dubbed the “Group of Death”, with favourites Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei and Timor-Leste.

Group A comprises hosts Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and the Philippines.

Sumber - Joash Ee De Silva, Star Online www.thestar.com.my