PETALING JAYA, Nov 20 — Midfielder Khairul Effendy Bahrin believes the national futsal team are capable of bringing home the silver medal for the second time from the 27th Sea Games in Myanmar from Dec 11 to 22.
Malaysia are pitted in Group A with hosts Myanmar and Indonesia, while favourites and defending champions Thailand and last edition's runners-up Vietnam are in Group B with Laos.
Malaysia won silver from the 2007 edition and finished fourth in 2011.
Khairul is confident that under coach Marcelo Serpa, Malaysia have a good chance of bagging the silver medal or even the gold.
“Since he came early this year to take charge, there has been a marked improvement in the squad and this is why I am confident the team can do well.
“No doubt Thailand and Vietnam are formidable teams, but we are capable of beating them now,” said Khairul.
The 25-year-old, who plays for Selangor PKNS FC in the Felda-FAM National Futsal League, joined the national squad in 2010 before pulling out in 2011 to concentrate on his studies.
The Kuala Lumpur-born lad rejoined the squad this year and has since been a key figure in the squad.
His best achievement with the national squad so far is a silver medal from the 2013 Oceania Futsal championship in June. Malaysia lost 5-1 to Australia in the final.
Khairul will be joined by his PKNS teammates Qaiser Heshaam Abdul Kadir and Saiful Aula Ahmad at the Sea Games. — Bernama
