Monday October 19, 2009
Skipper Rezal tells his high-riding Negri side to stay alert in quarters
PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan will not rest on their laurels after a flawless run in the group stage of the Malaysia Cup competition.
Skipper Rezal Zambery Yahaya has urged the team to be on their toes and play with determination in the quarter-final tie against Kuala Muda Naza.
“Let’s not lose focus, boys,” warned Rezal after they became the only team in the five-group preliminary rounds to collect the maximum points from six matches.
“Everyone is still talking about our performance in the group competition. We produced fantastic results but we have only got past the first hurdle. We have to keep up with the same kind of commitment in the knockout stage.”
Mainstay: International midfielder Mohd Shukor Adan is the player Negri will be counting on to set up play from the middle. In Group B, the Deer chalked up wins over Johor (2-1, 1-0), Sarawak (8-0, 1-0) and Terengganu (1-0, 2-0).
They also finished with the best statistics in defence and attack – conceding only one goal and scoring 15.
Coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan has managed to assemble a strong line-up with the inclusion of national midfielder Mohd Shukor Adan, who has been switched to partner Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak in central defence.
Former international Hairuddin Omar was hired on loan from T-Team Terengganu for the Malaysia Cup campaign and he partners Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak in attack.
The other notable players in the team are Idris Karim, Ching Hong Aik, Mohd Rahman Zabul and S. Kunalan.
“Our goal is to become the champions. The players are in high spirit and we are ready to play against any team,” said Rezal.
However, Rezal has a word of caution of Kuala Muda Naza, who have a wealth of experience in their team.
“You can never write off a team who have quality hands. Kuala Muda have this asset and it will be tough for Negri,” he said.
Among the seasoned campaigners in the Kedah club side are Akmal Rizal Rakhli, B. Rajanikandh, K. Rajan, Liew Kit Kong, Annuar Jusoh and Azizon Kadir.
The first-leg quarter-final match will be played at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi tomorrow.
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