Negeri Sembilan looking to veteran striker to bring glory

At 32, many footballers would be considering retirement but not Negri Sembilan's Hairuddin Omar.

 

The striker, who battled his way back into Negri's starting line-up after recovering from a knee injury, is gunning for his third straight appearance in a Malaysia Cup final.

The Setiu-born played a key role in Negri's victory in the 2009 final and did the same for Kelantan last year. Hairuddin bagged his first title with his home state, Terengganu in 2001.

Hairuddin is determined to work his magic once again for Negri, who visit T-Team in today's semi-finals first leg in Kuala Terengganu.

 

"It's been a tough season. My knee problem restricted me in the Super League but lucky for me, I was declared fully fit for the Malaysia Cup," said Hairuddin, who scored two goals in Negri's 3-1 aggregate victory over Felda United in the quarter-finals.

"I've scored five goals so far in this competition but I am hungry for more as I want to help Negri win the title."

Hairuddin said Negri's fine run in the Malaysia Cup is attributed to team work.

"We want to win something for our fans after mediocre outings in the Super League and FA Cup. We did not do well then because of injuries.

"I must thank coach Azraai Khor for helping us through difficult times in the Super League. He came at the right time to motivate us and we want to repay him with a title," said Hairuddin, who was named Man of the Match in the 2001 and 2010 Malaysia Cup finals.

Hairuddin is expected to lead Negri's attack as national striker Zaquan Adha Radzak, who played for 30 minutes against Felda last Friday, is low on confidence.

Azraai said Hairuddin's form has greatly helped Negri in the Malaysia Cup.

"He (Hairuddin) has done a fantastic job in getting the goals in the absence of Ahmad (Fakri Saraani) and Zaquan. I hope he will continue with his form in the semi-finals," said Azraai.