"ALL Malaysians will be watching you. Remember that. Do not be afraid and bring glory to your country."
That poignant message from KV Kortrijk (KVK) owner Tan Sri Vincent Tan rang true for national striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin during his debut for KV Kortrijk (KVK) in the Belgian Pro League on Friday.
Despite losing 3-1 to RSC Anderlecht at the Guldensporen Stadium, Luqman said Tan's message motivated him when he was signalled to replace Petar Golubovic in the 74th minute.
KVK coach Yves Vanderhaeghe's bet on the 18-year-old from Kota Baru was well-placed as Luqman assisted in the move that earned KVK a penalty in the 87th minute.
It was converted by Illombe Mboyo.
"I am very happy that the head coach (Vanderhaeghe) finally included Luqman in the first team and played him as a sub.
"Although Luqman did not score, this is a good start for the player's career in Belgium.
"I am confident that Luqman will score when given more chances to play for the first team," said Tan yesterday.
Given his performance, Luqman is now confident he will be pencilled into the starting lineup for KVK's next match.
"I wish the final result was in our favour. But still to play for 16 minutes in the league has boosted my confidence tremendously," said Luqman.
"The first of my dreams has been achieved. This match is my first step. Tan Sri's words kept replaying in my head as I waited on the sidelines to replace Golubovic.
"We were already behind by three goals, so it was going to be very daunting. But personally, it was going to be my first experience in the Belgian Pro League."
Luqman has taken the bitter taste of defeat in his stride.
It has only strengthened his resolve to work harder to remain in KVK's regular team.
The national Under-19 striker hopes to score his first league goal for the club.
"My confidence level keeps increasing. I have already tasted the first-team action, even if for only 16 minutes.
"Now, I want to find the back of the net. Assisting in that penalty was just the prelude," added Luqman.
* Md Fariq is a freelance writer