Long throw specialist star in golden era, son Rayjal tries to continue legacy
FATHER AND SON COMBINATION: Jalil and Rayjal – former and current Sarawak player. — Photo courtesy of Faizal Bujang FAS
KUCHING: In the late 80’s and early 90’s, the name Abdul Jalil Ramlee will strike fear among Sarawak opponents whenever he took a throw in.
Fans, young and old would chant his name and the stadium will turn into hell for the visiting team.
The throw in normally would cause very serious problem and some would be translated into goal.
Those goals normally came during critical time, partly due to set piece and most importantly Jalil superb ability.
Throwing the ball at such distance is not Jalil only ability, it was his discipline that won him the trust of coach and Sarawak team management.
Abdul Jalil was the team captain and will only be benched due injuries, or suspension.
In 1997, prior to Sarawak Cup final between Bintulu and Miri – the then FAS president, late Datuk Taha Ariffin talked about many issues surrounding Sarawak football but emphasised one thing, Sarawak is blessed with Jalil.
“He is a gentleman with an officer quality,” Taha said during an exclusive interview, praising Jalil for his commitment and great discipline, on and off the pitch.
To him, Jalil was a phenomenon.
Early this year, it was widely reported that Jalil’s son, Abdul Rayjal would be playing for Sarawak.
Just like his father, Rayjal is a very skilful player but minus the special ability to throw the ball.
Rayjal played as striker or flanks, and did managed to score few goals for Sarawak.
Unfortunately, his performance dipped and ends up warming the bench for reasons best known to him.
But the door is not closed on Rayjal as the Crocs coach Robert Alberts believed he would be able to fight for a place.
The coach when contacted insisted that the players are fielded based on merits.
“Its best not to compare (Rayjal to Jalil). In his position there are better players (Ashri Chuchu and Zamri Morshidi). I hope he will fight as hard as he can to be part of the team. We stick to the best players policy,” Alberts stressed.
Like in any other teams, Alberts stressed that those warming the bench must work harder and proof to the coach that they are the better players.
Alberts’ assistant, Farhan Abdullah echoed his boss statement saying that Rayjal came with a bang into the team.
“He is a very skilful player but must work harder on the defending aspects (that require stronger endurance and better stamina). He must work hard to win back the coach trust,” he said.
Farhan admitted that the fight for a place in Sarawak’s team nowadays no longer assure anyone an automatic start up.
“One must proof to the coach he is the best, most reliable and strongest contender for the position and willing to play all out to win the first eleven places,” he stressed.
Farhan said the Sarawak team discipline record is very good and players are normally checked in into a local hotel prior to a home match to make sure they are eating the right food and have enough rest.
“Young players must look up to Sarawak’s legendary midfielder Mohd Ali Sapiee night habits. Whenever there is a match, Ali normally retires the latest at 10pm, no more TV after that,” he said.
He said those staying up late and getting up late may not be able to perform to the best of his ability.
“I am talking from experience as a player, following all kind of people in my playing days,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Alberts told his players to forget football for three days when celebrating Hari Raya and have good time with their love’s one.
“During Hari Raya don’t think about football. I want them to be completely non active for three days, enjoy Hari Raya with friends and family.
“When they come back, we want to see happy faces and motivated players,” he said.
Sarawak players were allowed to go back on Aug 27 and report for training on Sept 2.
Although they were allowed to enjoy, the squad are undergoing weight watch and those found putting on extra kilogramme would be penalised.
Alberts stressed that their rival on Sept 6 is Kelantan, the strongest and richest team in Malaysia.
“They have quality in depth – all champion team have quality in depth – the management invests into the team. They get the best salaries, so they have to justify by winning,” he stressed.