PETALING JAYA, May 10 —  Things have not gone as leftback Nazirul Naim Che Hashim would have wished for but he is banking on a SEA Games to remember.

“This is my last chance for silverware in the Under-23 age group. I want it to be a memorable one,” he said.

The 22-year-old expects things to be going his way since returning from playing for the Japanese side, Ryukyu, at the end of 2013.

Malaysia, who won the SEA Games in 2009 and 2011, finished a dismal fourth at the last edition in Myanmar two years ago. Nazirul is one of six players in training from the squad of 2013.

Nazirul also found no solace in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 qualifier in March when Malaysia, playing at home, saw its hopes of reaching the tournament proper vanish after losing to Vietnam in the opener. Vietnam finished second to Japan to secure a berth while Malaysia finished third.

Malaysia now has a chance to redeem itself against Vietnam in the regional games after being drawn together with defending champions Thailand, Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste in Group B.

“It’s a chance to get one better on Vietnam and I don’t want to see this opportunity slip by. With everyone putting their money on the Thais, the match against Vietnam could be decisive once again,” said Nazirul.

“It would also be unwise to underestimate Laos, Brunei and Timor Leste despite their whipping boys status in the past. I find this group tougher than the 2013 draw.”

Nazirul expects stiff competition for the leftback position and is eager to return to first team training after being sidelined by a grade one hamstring injury.

“It was a precaution. I expect to back in training this week. In fact, I actually played in the S-League since picking up the injury. I thought it was all good but felt the pain again,” he said.

“I am eager to return while hoping the injury will not recur. Like the rest, I have a position to fight for in the team.

“I have to even challenge skipper Fandi Othman for my place in the side besides a couple of others who could also play leftback.”