Honeymoon time for Norsharul

IT’s honeymoon time for nippy striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha.

The 24-year-old Kelantan striker married his sweetheart Siti Aisya Adam on Christmas Day, the eve of the first-leg final match of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) championship between Malaysia and Indonesia at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

“I packed my bags after the wedding to be with the team. My wife understood because I was on national duty. I am happy we became champions and now it’s honeymoon time,” said Norsharul before leaving Jakarta for home yesterday.

However, Norsharul was quick to point that it would be business as usual after spending time with his wife on a honeymoon, probably outside Malaysia.

“I am still young and have many more years to play for the country. And I want to continue to be part of coach Rajagopal’s history-making team,” said Norsharul, who was named best striker and Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the national football awards last month.

Norsharul has been a regular feature in Rajagopal’s squad since the SEA Games (Under-23 international) in Laos last December. Then, Malaysia won the gold medal for the first time in 20 years in the biennial Games.

On Wedneday, Malaysia were crowned as Asean champions (senior international) for the first time since the tournament’s inception in 1996.

“We want to continue achieving success with the coach. Perhaps, the next target is the Asia Cup Finals in 2015. We will work towards that,” said Norsharul, a player rated “special” by Rajagopal.

Besides the national team, Norsharul also recorded history with his state team, Kelantan, when they won the Malaysia Cup for the first time in 89 years.

“I am looking forward to a honeymoon. After that, I will return for the Charity Shield match against Selangor on Jan 29,” he said.

Norsharul has the ability to take on defenders with his trademark “burst and dash” tactics to beat his marker from the byline to set up strikes for his team-mates.

He played the role with devastating effect on the opponents in the SEA Games and AFF tournament.