'Mickey' Anticipates Return To National Team

PETALING JAYA, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- National winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim has hinted that the time for him to don the Harimau Malaya jersey once again is drawing near.

Mohamad Faisal, more popularly known as Faisal Halim, also asked for everyone’s prayers as he eagerly anticipates returning to play with the national team.

“I’m sad because I can’t be with the team. I’ve been here (national training camp) many times over the years; this is where I fight for the national team with my teammates and coaches, but today, I’m here as a guest, watching my friends train.

“I feel like it won’t be long before I return. I hope everyone prays for me, and I can’t wait to come back,” he said when met at Wisma Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Kelana Jaya, here today.

Earlier, Faisal, who is fondly called ‘Mickey,’ made a surprise appearance at the Harimau Malaya training session here ahead of the 2024 Pestabola Merdeka competition next month.

He was warmly welcomed by FAM president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, along with his two deputies, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Datuk S. Sivasundaram, as well as Harimau Malaya head coach Pau Marti Vicente.

Mickey was seen shaking hands and catching up with all the players before posing for a commemorative photo during his first visit here since the incident in which he was splashed with acid.

“I came today because Datuk (Hamidin) called me yesterday to come and support my friends. I miss this moment too. I met Coach Pau last week, and he told me, ‘I’m not pushing you to join the team, but if you’re ready, for sure I will call you.’

“Coach Pau has given me space to regain my performance. Of course, as a player, I will help the coach in the upcoming tournaments. I’ve been with Coach Pau for almost two years, so I know exactly what he wants, and when I’m ready, I will give my best for the team, the coach, and FAM,” he said.

On May 5, Faisal Halim suffered fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body after being doused with acid by an unknown individual at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya and had to be treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for about 10 days.

He made his first appearance after the incident on June 16 in a match against Negeri Sembilan FC during the FA Cup campaign and recently played in the first 45 minutes of the 2024 Sultan of Selangor's Cup (TSSC) match between Selangor and Singapore.

-- BERNAMA