Mohd Akram Makes National Football Team The Hard Way

23 Mac, 2015

PETALING JAYA: Sometimes you have to take a step back to move two steps forward.

That’s what defensive midfielder Mohd Akram Mahinan did – and look how it has paid off for him.

The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player left the Super League champions to join their sister team – JDT II – in the Premier League for more playing time in order to earn a spot in the national Under-23 team for the Singapore SEA Games in June.

It was a bold decision. But, like they say, fortune favours the brave.

The Kulim-born player’s decision was proven right when he was called up to join the national Under-23 team’s first phase of centralised training at Wisma FAM earlier this month.

Then, on March 12, he felt as if he was in seventh heaven when national coach Dollah Salleh named him for this Thursday’s friendly against Oman at the Seeb Sports Stadium in Muscat.

The 22-year-old Akram admitted to being worried about dropping down a division.

“I signed with JDT to play in the Super League but found it hard to break into the first team. I wanted to play regularly to be in contention for the SEA Games,” said the former Harimau Muda B player, who has been a revelation in the second-tier Premier League.

“It was frustrating ... so, I decided to join JDT II last April for more playing time.

“It was a tough decision but I’m glad that I’m now a regular after a slow start.

“I was happy when I was called up for the national Under-23 training ... but the biggest shock came was when I named to play for the national team.

“I still can’t believe my luck ... but I’m prepared to do my best.”

Akram is among four midfielders named for the trip to Muscat. The others are skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim, Joseph Kallang Tie and Baddrol Bakthiar.

Dollah plans to use the Oman friendly to pair up Akram with the more attacking minded Safiq in the engine room.

Sumber - K. RAJAN, The Star Online www.thestar.com.my