Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
ADI Said will become the first local footballer to ply his trade abroad as he left to join Malaysia’s UiTM (Universiti Teknologi MARA) FC today.
The national football team and DPMM FC striker has signed a one year contract with the Malaysian Premier League side after successfully completing trials with the club last week.
The 26-year-old, who notched 10 goals and a league-high 11 assists for DPMM FC in the Singapore Premier League last season, is leaving with a heavy heart having laced up for Brunei’s only professional team for the past six years.
“It is difficult to leave my family and my teammates since we have been playing together for a while now,” said Adi before departure to the Malaysian capital this morning.
“My family is kind of used to me travelling a lot before but this time my contract is for one year. It is hard for me to leave them and go to Malaysia,” he added.
“I’m feeling nervous since this is first time playing for another club in Malaysia. I will try my best to make it into the first XI for now and also try to share my experience in Brunei playing there,” continued Adi, who spearheaded Brunei to victory in the 2012 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
Adi wasn’t the only Bruneian on trial with UiTM FC as he was joined by 18-year-old Md Nur Asyraffahmi Norsamri of DST Super League side Kota Ranger in Kuala Lumpur.
Departing with him this morning was Azwan Ali Rahman, who is looking to have his shot as well.
“The trial was okay but it was different compared to Brunei. I wasn’t confident on making the cut considering there were around 11 players on trial but I was the only one who made it,” said Adi.
“My advice for him (Azwan) is to do his best because the coach is ready to sign any players who put up a good showcase,” he added.
Adi's passage to Malaysia was made possible by a football enthusiast Mr H (who doesn’t want to be named) and he hopes that this will be the stepping stone for other Bruneians.
“There was an intention to bring a few talented players to play in Malaysia as we have a links with a few clubs and coaches there,” said Mr H.
“Since it is preseason during December, we took the opportunity after we were given the green light to bring a few players there.
“This is something good for Brunei footballers as this is the first and it becomes the main door for others,” added Mr H.
“We want to show that there are talented footballers here which can be valued elsewhere. In the future, we might even talk to the Indonesian and Thai Leagues too,” he concluded.
