KUALA LUMPUR – Penang FC’s new signing, Syamer Kutty Abba, openly acknowledges that he has never, nor will ever, view himself as a superstar, despite his recent move from local football giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The 26-year-old midfielder, who began his career with the Black Panthers in 2013, returns to the northeast side on loan after making a total of 43 appearances for the Southern Tigers since his debut in 2018.
Syamer is among six players loaned out from JDT with hopes of getting more game time in the Malaysia Super League.
Known for his versatility in midfield, Syamer has won a total of 14 accolades with JDT and made 74 appearances at all levels (under-17, under-20, under-23, and senior) of the national team.
Speaking to Scoop, Syamer said that no matter which club he plays for, he has always been a player who demands the best from himself and is always willing to learn to elevate his gameplay.
“There is no such thing as a superstar player on a team, as football is a team sport. Even though there are a lot of individuals with different backgrounds, we come here as a team and don’t see ourselves as superstars.
“As everyone knows, I’m not that kind of person and am always trying to learn wherever I go. On the field, I demand the best from myself and my teammates, but I don’t consider myself above the team.
“I’m just doing what I love and focusing on delivering on the pitch to earn my place,” said Syamer when contacted.
At the same time, Syamer said he is ready to meet the expectations set by head coach Akmal Rizal, which is to be a role model among the young players in the Black Panthers squad.
The 42-year-old Akmal, a former national footballer, assumed the head coach role in January after serving as the club’s assistant and under-21 coach from 2020 to early this year.
“Coach Akmal is someone that I respect for what he has done for Malaysia internationally and at the domestic level. Of course, as I come from (JDT), there are a lot of expectations for me.
“I’ve gained professionalism and high standards in my game from the place where I’ve trained over the past seven years.
“Personally, I know that I need to bring all these attributes with me to Penang FC, as we know that this team is full of youngsters trying to make their mark in the Malaysian league.
“I also feel that I need to prove myself in the game and training sessions so that I can contribute something to the team,” Syamer added.
Syamer’s arrival complements the signings of Brazilian-born Rodrigo Dias from Kuwait-based Khaitan Sporting Club FC and Ghanaian-born Richmond Ankrah on loan from Selangor FC, highlighting Penang FC’s ambitions for the upcoming Malaysia Super League campaign.
Penang FC holds the record for winning the league three times (1982, 1998, and 2001), the FA Cup once (2002), and the Malaysia Cup four times (1953, 1954, 1958, and 1974).
This season’s Malaysia Super League campaign is expected to begin on May 10. – April 30, 2024