Malaysia's Rahmat Che Hashim to head to Barcelona after being selected for Nike 'The Chance' Academy's World Finals

Kelantanese Rahmat Che Hashim will be representing Malaysia in Barcelona at the Nike 'The Chance' Academy's World Finals after getting through the Regional Finals on Tuesday in Jakarta, Indonesia

Rahmat, who graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from University Malaysia, Pahang was previously playing for his university's football team.

Goal.com's Bima Said spoke to Rahmat upon his selection for the World Finals.

"My name came out first and I feel it was like a bonus for me," said the 24-year-old in excitement.

"Now I feel so delighted, but it's also a big step for me, and I have a tough challenge ahead of me. I will continue my best in my football career."



Rahmat, who was selected by a coaching team of four, comprising of Widodo C Putra, Ong Kim Swee, V Sundramoorthy, and Nophol Pibulvech from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand respectively, talked about his versatility and his desire to get further in the competition.

"I'm usually a striker but I can try other positions and I will try my best at all of them under the guidance of my coach," said Rahmat.

"In Barcelona, I have to do as much as I normally do. I have to work extra hard.

"I tried so hard to get to Barcelona, and now is the chance to compete with the best young players from around the world.

I will need to improve, I will try my best and more importantly I will give my best."

Rahmat, along with four other regional finalists, was selected from a group of 20 players to represent the region in the World Finals, where 16 will be selected by Pep Guardiola for matches against Manchester United, Juventus, and the USA junior teams.

That group will be further whittled down to four, to train at the Nike Academy in England. One of them will be permanently placed at the Nike Academy for another three months during the 2012/13 season, to be scouted for a professional contract.

The other regional finalists accompanying Faris on his journey will be Evan Dimas Darmono (Indonesia), Faris Ramli (Singapore) and Napapon Sripratheep (Thailand).