KUALA LUMPUR – Though Penang FC have set a midtable target for the Malaysia Super League this season, the club’s new signing, Syamer Kutty Abba, has a personal goal of exceeding the club’s expectations.
The 26-year-old Syamer, who started his career with the Black Panthers in 2013, returned to the northeast side on loan after making 43 appearances for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) since his debut in 2018.
Known for his midfield versatility, Syamer has won 14 accolades with JDT and has made 74 appearances across all levels (under-17, under-20, under-23, and senior) for the national team.
Speaking to Scoop, Syamer acknowledges the club’s target as being realistic. However, he intends to maintain the winning mentality he cultivated at JDT and apply it to his new club to reach greater heights.
“At JDT, the club owner (Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim), always set a KPI to be the best every year in every aspect of the game.
“Now that I’m at Penang FC, I need to make some adjustments. However, my winning mentality remains unchanged after all these years.
“I’m not content with just a midtable finish. We should aim higher. We don’t have to achieve something big but if we achieve something equivalent is already good enough.
“The midtable target is realistic, but we must strive for improvement and take each game as an opportunity to get better.
“I want the fans to enjoy watching our games. Whether we win, draw, or lose, I want them to see that we fought hard against our opponents.
“My primary goal is to win every game. Anything less than that is unacceptable to me. Whenever I step onto the field, I will do my best to help the team secure victory,” said Syamer when contacted.
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 hold 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).
Penang finished 10th in the Super League last season.
The Blank Panthers currently rank 10th in this season’s Super League following their 0-0 draw against Sabah FC in their opening game on May 12.
Akmal Rizal’s charges will take on Terengganu FC in their second fixture at the Penang City Council Stadium later today. – May 19, 2024