PETALING JAYA: Malaysia skipper Hariz Mansor said he and his teammates are feeling the excitement, more than the pressure, as they bid to qualify for the Under-17 World Cup in Peru next year.
They will take the first step on that long road to Peru with their opening match against Tajikistan in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournament tomorrow (Thursday).
Hariz, from Kota Baru, said even though a heavy burden has been put on their shoulders, they are not feeling the heat.
"As players, pressure is a normal situation before any match, and we know how to handle it.
"We need to take this challenge and make the country proud. Based on my observation, all my teammates are motivated and teamwork is at its best.
"This team have been preparing for the last four years for this moment.
We can't wait to take to the field and give our best to qualify for the World Cup," said Hariz.
The team, coached by Lim Teong Kim, were formed under the National Football Development Programme in 2014. Malaysia need to qualify for the semi-finals of the AFC tournament to play in Peru next year.
Hariz urged his teammates not to waste this golden opportunity after all the training for four years, and to make sure Tajikistan is their first victim.
"We need to have a good opening match as a morale booster. I believe we will give full commitment in taking our first step towards the World Cup (today)," said the player whose ambition is to play for top clubs like Gamba Osaka or Chelsea.