Lee Mei looks to Liverpool star for inspiration

KUCHING: A young Sarawakian footballer, Adilie Sim Lee Mei, 20, is drawing inspiration from Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as she prepares to represent the state at the upcoming SUKMA.

Affectionately known as “Lee Mei” or “Mei Mei” by her teammates, the right-back is confident of making her mark on the tournament.

“I would like to make it to play for the national team one day,” she told Sarawak Tribune recently.

“I’ve always loved football, even though my parents initially didn’t support it.”

Hailing from Padawan, Lee Mei’s relaxed demeanour belies her ambition. In addition to her idol, Alexander-Arnold, she also admires local footballer Jimmy Raymond from Kuching City FC.

“I’ve learned a lot from the (Sarawak Sukma) team, and for Sarawak, we’re aiming for gold and hoping to achieve even more,” said the Bidayuh-Chinese lass.

Sarawak has been drawn in Group A alongside Sabah and Pahang for the women’s football competition, which kicks off on August 13 at Stadium Negeri and Stadium D in Petra Jaya.