Zainal Abidin remembers old Malaysia-Singapore rivalry

Former Malaysian striker Zainal Abidin Hassan has fond memories of playing against Singapore. The 49-year-old played more than 100 matches against the Lions during his illustrious career with the national team and Selangor since making his debut as a 17-year-old schoolboy. Zainal relates his expectations of the national team under coach Datuk K. Rajagopal ahead of their clash with Singapore in the Asian Zone World Cup second round second-leg match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Question : Can you tell us about your playing days against Singapore?

Zainal : It was one of the most awaited moments as there was a lot at stake in these matches. I have seen it all – the good and the bad times. It is not just about the results or the scorelines ... but it was more about the fierce rivalry, the fans’ passion and the quality of players they see on the pitch.

Question : What makes the Malaysia-Singapore matches tick?

Zainal : The matches between Malaysia and Singapore or even Selangor-Singapore in the past have always been a sellout for obvious reasons. Number one is that the fans get their money’s worth. There is a little of everything in it ... rivalry, hate and love. Even now we still attract both fans in the annual Sultan of Selangor Cup.

Question : What was the your best moment against Singapore?

Zainal : We beat Singapore 1-0 in the pre-Olympic qualifier in 1983. I scored from a half-volley and of course the classic Malaysia Cup final when we beat Singapore 4-0 at the Merdeka Stadium in 1981. It was a parade of stars, with Malaysia featuring the late Mokhtar Dahari, Lim Teong Kim, Abdullah Ali and gang and Singapore fielding Edmund Wee, Dollah Kassim, Quah Kim Song and Hasli Ibrahim.

Question : Singapore have five naturalised players in their side. How big an advantage is this to the Lions?

Zainal : It does not matter that they have five naturalised players. The game is not going to be about them. It is about tradition and rivalry between two neighbours. The game will be equally contested but I feel Malaysia will raise their game because a lot is at stake in this match.

Question : What is your prediction for tonight’s match?

Zainal : I am confident that the boys will win. So, are the 85,000 fans who have bought tickets for the match tonight. They would not have come if we do not stand a chance. There is an air of confidence that the battle can be won at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Question : What is your message to the our players?

Zainal : Don’t repeat your mistakes. We all make mistakes but the true hallmark of a champion is how he bounces back from the defeat. I want them to do the nation proud ... the whole country is behind them. Keep up the good work and go for the kill. The chance is there to progress and make history by moving into the third round.