The Star
STRIKER Rozaimi Abdul Rahman admitted to being tired after playing too much football, including helping Sabah win their first-ever Sukma gold medal on Saturday.
But the Buntong-lad, who has had a fruitful three months which saw him break into the national Under-22 team and scoring 10 goals in the recently-concluded AFC Under-22 Asian Cup qualifier, can forget about taking a break.
Up next for the 20-year-old is helping Sabah win the relegation playoffs, scheduled on July 17-19, in Malacca so that they can remain in the Super League.
If that isn’t enough, the youngster will also be featuring for the national team in the friendlies against English Premier League sides Arsenal (July 24) and Manchester City (July 30).
“I’m very happy that we won the Sukma gold for the first time. It’s a very special occasion for the people of Sabah,” said Rozaimi, who scored in the 3-0 extra time win over Perak in the Sukma final.
“Yes, I’m tired after playing almost non-stop for the last three months but I am okay with it because I love the game.
I have several important games coming up, so I can’t affort to take it easy.”
Rozaimi said the Sukma gold medal will serve as motivation for him and Sabah in their bid to stay in the Super League.
“The gold medal proves that nothing is impossible in football … the win is the perfect boost for us ahead of the playoffs,” he said.
