Oussama Thiangkham is relishing the opportunity to prove himself with the Thai national team after receiving his first senior call-up from head coach Anthony Hudson for the upcoming Asean Championship or Hyundai Cup.
After regularly performing with the U23 team, especially at the AFC U23 Championship finals in Saudi Arabia, Oussama, who was born to a Moroccan mother and a Thai father, said he aims to work hard to prove his worth after being given the chance to represent Thailand at senior level at the Asean tournament, which starts later this month.
"I am very happy and proud, as is my family. Being called up for the senior national team is every footballer's dream. It filled me with pride and joy. My family is also happy and proud. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career and also everyone at PT Prachuap, including the club president, officials, coaching staff, and all my teammates, who all congratulated me on this opportunity," said the Thai-Moroccan left wing-back.
"Of course, when an opportunity comes, I have to work hard, improve myself every day, and try my best every time. Just being named in the squad isn't enough. My focus is on helping the team as much as possible if I get the chance to play, proving myself, and creating opportunities for myself in the future," he added.
Born in Casablanca, the 22-year-old player moved to Thailand last year and signed with Thai League 1 club PT Prachuap.
"I only moved to Thailand last year. Being selected for the national team is one of my goals, but as a footballer, there are many more. Today, I've ticked one box, but there are many more dreams I want to achieve, such as playing in a top league and developing myself to the highest level.
"I can't say whether this opportunity has come too soon or not. In the past, I just told myself to work hard all the time, and I believe that when the time comes, I will be rewarded. Now that I have this opportunity, I have to continue working hard to show that I deserve it."
Oussama also knows he will face competition to secure a starting spot in the national team but insists he's ready to seize his opportunity.
"There are three left-backs in this squad, so getting that opportunity isn't easy, but I believe that competition leads to development. Of course, I'm always ready for any opportunity. Actually, besides left-back, I can play as a defender and winger, but it depends on the coach and where he wants me to play to help the team as much as possible. I'm always ready, no matter the position."
