"Haters, like parrots, talk much but cannot fly. Dreamers, like eagles, say nothing but conquer the skies," goes a quote by Canadian-based author Matshona Dhliwayo.

Perhaps it's this mantra that has got professional sports commentator Matthews Izzac where he is today.

Had he listened to detractors tell him seven years ago that pursuing a full time career as a sports commentator was "impossible" and a waste of time, he would not have become the first Malaysian Indian commentator in FIFAe Club World Cup 2021 today.

Izzac, an ardent Chelsea fan, will be commentating in English for the tournament which will be streamed live from Feb 24 to 28. His colleague Muhammad Hafiz Sudin will be doing the same in Malay.

Taking to Facebook recently, Izzac posted: "Proud to call myself 'Anak Malaysia. Today is indeed a historical moment for my country and myself. This is absolutely unbelievable and a dream come true after seven years of hard work. Glory to God!"

“FIRST MALAYSIAN INDIAN COMMENTATOR IN FIFAe CLUB WORLD CUP 2021 “. ???⚽️ Dreams do come true, they say. Proud to call...

Posted by Matthews Izzac on Friday, 12 February 2021


According to Izzac further, he was rendered speechless when he received the official email from FIFA on his appointment for the stint.

"There were a lot of times many said this is 'impossible', that I was wasting my time, and my goals were 'unattainable', as well as 'there is no record of Malaysians ever being there, what makes you think you'll get there?'

"I've heard all this in the last seven years as a sports commentator but I believed in myself, in my dreams and I believed that one day, I can show the world that every impossible dream is possible and today, it has come true," he wrote.

"To everyone reading this, every dream you have is possible. Work hard and believe, and the rest will flow.

Izzac also thanked his mother for believing in him despite the trials and tribulations that they went through.

"There were times she doubted this career but I promised her that I will make it. She was there to support me when nobody was and constantly pushed me to do the best."

Having achieved his dream stint, Izzac does not yet plan to rest on his laurels.

Next, he is gunning to achieve his ultimate dream to be a commentator in the English Premier League and the Fifa World Cup.

Congratulations on your achievement Izzac. You have indeed made the country, and the Indian community proud!

Here's wishing you all the best in your future endeavours!


Photo source: Matthews Izzac Facebook