However, 28 and much wiser now, the lad from Felda might just see himself propelled into the limelight on Monday.
His performance in the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League, where he scored eight goals, has not gone unnoticed and there are strong indications that he will be on coach Paul Revington list of trainees.
The South African will name his national trainees on Monday for the Asian Champions Trophy and also the Champions Challenge I tournaments this year.
“No. I have not been approached by anybody to make a comeback, but I am keen to play for the country again, as I still have not lost my touch,” said Ismail.
It was 2009 and Malaysia were preparing for the Invercargill World Cup Qualifier when Ismail, with 120 caps, skipped weights training with the excuse of wanting to repair his car, but was seen instead at a gaming arcade.
Ismail then preempted the then Malaysian Hockey Federation management committee’s punishment on him by sending in his quit letter to team manager George Koshy.
“I have been keeping myself fit for the last three years by playing in the Razak Cup and also the MHL and still have the stamina to take on younger players.
“And during off season, I play soccer for the Kuantan Municipal Council team where I am also quite terror,” said the father of two.
His three goals against Maybank in the first leg semi-finals of the TNB Cup were not only classy, but also helped Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club to virtually book their final ticket with a 6-0 drubbing of the Tigers.
The second leg semi-finals are on Sunday, but KLHC are expected to rest some of their players, including Ismail, after taking a big lead.
However, the second semi-finals between Sapura and Tenaga Nasional would be the match to watch as they drew 1-1 in the first leg.
SUNDAY: Premier Division Semi-finals (second leg) -- Maybank (0) v KLHC (6) (National Stadium Pitch II, 6pm), Sapura (1) v Tenaga Nasional (1) (National Stadium Pitch II, 8pm).
Division One Semi-finals -- Bukit Jalil (2) v Armed Forces (3) (National Stadium Pitch I, 6pm), Johor HA (2) v Thunderbolts (1) (National Stadium Pitch I, 8pm).
Note: First Leg scores in parenthesis.
