Kuantan (12th September, 2013): The exploits of Mohd Nasir Basharuddin in launching air strikes via his long throw-in’s has got opponents sit up and take notice of his uncanny ability at the 41st Merdeka Tournament.
The 22-year-old has the ability to launch a missile, akin to former Stoke City player Rory John Delap, thus creating havoc in the opponent’s penalty area.
And he has a unique way of training for it – as he uses a medicine ball, weighing 12 pounds to build his strength in his arms.
“Really there is nothing exceptional, for I am not a bionic man or anything. I train hard with the medicine ball and the rest comes naturally,” said Nasir who has provided two such assists for Perak in the matches against Lions XII and Negri Sembilan in the M-League.
“Against Thailand last night I could not use it because we did not have Junior Eldstal on the pitch as he provides the flick-on from the throw in.”
Nasir, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Perak, but has been used as an attacking midfielder by Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee in the on-going Merdeka Tournament.
Life has not been a bed of roses for Nasir as he suffered a fracture on the fibula of his left leg in the M-League match against Selangor in February. That caused him to miss matches for three months.
“The desire to excel in football and don the national jersey was the motivating factor for me when I underwent rehabilitation. My dream has always been to represent the country and making the SEA Games squad will be wonderful,” said the Taiping-born Nasir.
Nasir scored the opening goal against Thailand and is looking forward to more if fielded in the final against Myanmar.
“The battle for places in midfield is intense and I can only hope that the coach decides to field me in the final,” said Nasir, who was a member of the Perak President Cup team in 2011 before being promoted to the senior side by Norizan Bakar, the then Perak coach in 2012.
“We must not fear Myanmar and instead try to win the final to have the psychological advantage over them ahead of the SEA Games this December,” added Nasir.
And if fielded, keep a close eye on the player who idolises Cesc Fabregas, to launch a couple of “missiles” deep into the heart of the Myanmar defence.
FIXTURES:
Sept 14 (Saturday): Third-fourth placing playoff (5.30pm); Final (8.45pm). Both matches will be played at Stadium Darul Makmur.
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