Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

One of the most promising youngsters in the Malaysian game, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha caught the eye of MyTeam FC coach Bojan Hodak during the close season in 2007, and was brought in on a free transfer from NS Naza.

Norshahrul began having an interest in the game at 6 in his hometown in Besut, Terengganu.  After some early encouragement by his father who played hockey for Armed Forces, Norshahrul’s talent at an early age was spotted by his schools’ football coach.  Studying at SK Pusat Jerteh in Besut, he began representing the school at 11, and was made captain of the Under-12 squad in Standard Six.  His performances as a striker at the junior level got him selected to represent Besut district, where he was made captain too.  Things only got rosier for the lad when he was selected to play for Terengganu in the MSSM Under-12 championships.  An offer from the Bukit Jalil Sports School soon followed and the youngster was quick to say yes.

Life as a sportsman in Bukit Jalil was enjoyable for Norshahrul.  He trained in the mornings and evenings under the close supervision of the BJSS trainers, and had classes in the afternoon.  It was here that his dreams to be a professional footballer began to unfold.  His talent as a budding footballer grew by leaps and bounds, and during the Nike Cup in 2001 in Thailand, his star shined brightly when he emerged as Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer in the competition in Thailand.  His goals guided Malaysia to finish as Champions in the Lion City Cup in Singapore in 2002, and a year later in the Under-19 Asean Football Federation championship, he bagged the Top Scorer award. 

It was only natural for a striker of his quality to be offered by many upon completing his education in BJSS.  Norshahrul though, picked Perak, despite having offers from homestate Terengganu and neighbouring Kelantan.  He joined Perak in 2004 and was roped into the President’s Cup squad, hoping to learn from the many stars there.  He spent three years with the Seladang squad before leaving acrimoniously for NS Naza in 2006.  The Deer’s had just won the Malaysian Super League and it was a coup for them to recruit one of the country’s hottest talents.  The transfer to NS Naza caused a big furore as he had left the Kejor Yob Kejor team while still under contact.  However, NS Naza settled the issue and he began establishing himself in the squad, scoring his first ever senior goal.  Under Hatem Sousi, his chances were limited, few and far between, as it was with Perak, but he continued to do well for the National side battling for a place upfront with the famed duo of Safee Sali and Zaquan Adha.  During the National team’s outing in Czech Republic, Norshahrul was converted into a midfielder by coach B.Sathianathan following a lack of fit midfielders for one of their matches, and performed brilliantly.  His displays in the Yellow/Black jersey earned him praise in the Merdeka Tournament in which he helped Malaysia recapture the title in 2007.  Of course MyTeam FC coach Bojan Hodak was in the stands during the tournament, and Norshahrul was selected as a target for the new season. 

His clever thinking and defence splitting passes makes him one of the more intelligent players in the MyTeam squad.  His ability to beat players, learnt from his years as a striker, and his flexibility to operate behind the front two, also comes in handy.

Norshahrul is is the eldest child from a family of four.  He currently resides in Kinrara, Puchong