KUALA LUMPUR – Syamer Kutty Abba is ready to apply the midfield knowledge he acquired at Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) over the years to help Penang FC become a formidable side in the upcoming Malaysia Super League season.
The 26-year-old Syamer, who began his career with the Black Panthers in 2013, returned to the northeast side on loan, after making a total of 43 appearances for the Southern Tigers since his debut there in 2018.
Known for his versatility in the midfield, Syamer has won a total of 14 accolades with JDT and has made 74 appearances at all levels (under 17, under 20, under 23, and senior) of the national team.
Speaking to Scoop, Syamer said that learning from the likes of veteran midfielders Safiq Rahim, Natxo Insa, and Leandro Velázquez at JDT is an advantage for him to help improve Penang FC’s midfield issues.
Penang finished 10th in the Super League last season.
“I know myself better, and by learning from some of the best players in Johor, I can certainly bring a lot to Penang FC’s midfield. Natxo and Safiq were among the best players I have played with, and I have a lot of respect for their vast experience in the game.
“But I didn’t limit myself to learning just from them; I also took the opportunity to learn from Nazmi Faiz, Afiq Fazail, and Leandro. Overall, I have learned a lot from everyone at JDT and incorporated traits from their game into mine.
“I won’t be able to solve the midfield issue at the club alone, but I can help this team improve from last season. The effort should not come solely from me; my teammates and I need to work on the training ground every day to address this issue.
“Things have been going well in training sessions over the past few weeks, and I believe if we maintain this momentum, we won’t face the same midfield issues on the field as we did last season,” said Syamer when contacted.
Syamer also mentioned that he’s ready to partner with the club’s new signing, Khairu Azrin, and youngster Izzat Zikri in the midfield.
He further said that he has no preference for whom he partners with in the midfield position at Penang FC.
“Khairu is a very experienced player, and I respect his years of experience in the Super League.
“Izzat is emerging from the under-23 side and starting to prove himself. They are both good players, but partnering with me is not a big deal, and I don’t mind who I play alongside in midfield because players come and go.
“Even if I don’t perform, my place won’t be guaranteed. Therefore, I look forward to playing with anyone willing to contribute to the team.
“It’s not about me choosing anyone, it’s about those who can help the team and me improve,” 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. – May 1, 2024