KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- To those who question his eligibility to play for Harimau Malaya, midfielder Hector Hevel has this to say: “My grandfather hailed from Melaka”.
Though he doesn't know much about his late grandfather, the 29-year-old said that was the connection that kickstarted talks which culminated in him playing a starring role for Malaysia in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Nepal in March.
For the record, Hevel is one of seven heritage players in the Harimau Malaya squad.
The other six are strikers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces (from Argentina); defender Jon Irazabal and left-back Gabriel Palmero (Spain); and striker Joao Figueiredo (Brazil).
But none of them could have dreamed of making an instant impact like Hevel did, who not only scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Nepal in their opening Group F match of the Asian Cup Qualifiers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in March but also took home the Man of the Match award.
And now, having revealed that he will be joining serial winners Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) next season, Hevel plans to use his time here to trace his family lineage.
"I will try to go (and seek information about my family's Malaysian ancestry) when I play with (11-time Super League champions) JDT. I will try to learn more about them,” he said at a press conference here today.
But that's for another time.
For now, Hevel is thrilled to bits after receiving a second call-up to the Harimau Malaya setup as they gear up for their second 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group F match against favourites Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (June 10).
“When I found out that they wanted me to come, I was really happy and excited.
“Obviously, I played the first game and it went well because we won it. The second call-up is always good and it boosts your confidence as well because they've called you again,” he said.
Malaysia's next Asian Cup Qualifiers outing after Tuesday's clash is an away match against Laos on Oct 9.
-- BERNAMA
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