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Tuesday November 10, 2009

Wan Jamak on cloud nine

PETALING JAYA: Just a few months ago Negri Sembilan were like a sinking ship – suffering five straight defeats to finish a lowly eighth in the 14-team Super League competition.

And even coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan’s future was uncertain because of the team’s plight.

But, on Saturday, everything was forgotten and the former national coach has been hailed a saviour after leading last season’s Super League runners-up to their biggest ever victory – the Malaysia Cup.

Biggest prize: Wan Jamak (left) celebrates Negri’s Malaysia Cup victory with team officials on Saturday.

Negri beat Kelantan 3-1 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Wan Jamak said the turning point in their season came when he took a massive gamble for the Malaysia Cup competition.

“It was my last throw of the dice,” he said, referring to his decision to move Mohd Shukor Adan from midfield to centreback and roping in seasoned striker Hairuddin Omar on loan from T-Team Terengganu.

His tweakings proved to be gems of a move as Negri went on to win all 11 matches in the competition – a record achievement – en route to landing the prestigious Cup.

Not only were Negri formidable in defence, they were just as deadly up front too.

The backline let in just three goals in the Cup competition as their strikeforce plundered 27 goals in all.

Wan Jamak said he realised that the young Negri players needed guidance, thus his decision to partner Shukor with Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak in the backline and pairing up Hairuddin with Mohd Zaquan Abdul Razak in attack.

“Mohd Aidil and Mohd Zaquan are still in the learning process and I felt they would fare better if paired up with seasoned players,” said Wan Jamak.

“Hairuddin has vast experience and can hold the ball well. Shukor reads the game well and commands respect from the players, having featured as the national team captain.”

Wan Jamak was also able to tinker with the midfield as he had reliable players in Rezal Zambery Yahaya and Idris Karim, who have both played there the last five years.

Making it easier for the switch was also the fact that Negri had speedy flankers Shahurain Abu Samah and S. Kunalan to complement the attackers.

Although Wan Jamak had won the Cup with Johor in 1991 as assistant coach to Michael Urukalo, this victory is much sweeter as he did it his way.

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