From lorry driver's son to Harimau Malaya star: Pavithran targets Vietnam upset
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya winger G. Pavithran knows Malaysia will have to give “200 per cent” if they are to upset defending champions Vietnam in the first leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Harimau Malaya winger G. Pavithran, 21, is set to lead Malaysia in the first leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final against defending champions Vietnam on Sunday. The young athlete acknowledges that Vietnam will be heavy favorites, but insists Malaysia must give 200% effort to upset the odds. Pavithran, who has emerged as a standout player this tournament, won two Player of the Match awards and scored Malaysia's only goal in their recent match against the Philippines.
Having grown up in Taiping, Pavithran's love for football was nurtured by his family, who encouraged him to join the National Football Development Programme from a young age. Despite initial struggles with headers, Pavithran's breakthrough came when he secured a spot in the Johor Darul Ta zim (JDT) FC Academy at 13, leading to his current success in black-and-gold colors.
His family, including his truck-driving father and housewife mother, have been his unwavering supporters, sacrificing to ensure his dreams materialize. With interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe's confidence in him, Pavithran aims to impress Vietnam with his skill and determination.
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