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Sunday November 8, 2009

‘Old man’ Shukor surprised to win accolade

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohd Shukor Adan was surprised to be named the man-of-the-final after helping Negri Sembilan lift the coveted Malaysia Cup title.

Shukor excelled despite playing in an unfamiliar central defensive role for the Malaysia Cup campaign.

The 30-year-old was asked by coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan to partner and act as mentor to youngster Mohd Aidil Zafuan in the heart of defence.

The pair hit it off instantly, with Negri only conceding three goals in their 11 straight wins in the competition.

“I felt I was too old to win the man-of-the-final award. I did not win this award in my four previous Malaysia Cup finals ... so I did not think I could win this time with so many younger players in the final,” joked Shukor.

“I want to share this award with the rest of the squad. We could not have achieved this without teamwork and it is not right for me to hog all the limelight.”

The former national player paid tribute to his team-mates, especially the youngsters, for not being overawed by the Cup final atmospehere.

Shukor lost his first Malaysia Cup final with Negri in 2000, but went on to win with Selangor in 2002 and 2005. He was also in the Selangor squad who lost to Kedah last year.

“I have completed my evolution as a player. I started out as a striker early in my career before settling down in midfield, and have now done my tour of duty in defence,” he said.

“I was surprised when the coach tried me out in defence for the Malaysia Cup but it has turned out to be a masterstroke.”

Wan Jamak pointed out two vital areas which he tinkered with for the Malaysia Cup campaign after Negri’s dismal eighth place finish in the Super League.

“My decisions to play Shukor in defence alongside Zafuan and to bring in the experienced Hairudin Omar on loan (from Terengganu T-Team) to partner Zaquan (Adha) upfront were the main factors which led to our Malaysia Cup success. I believe Negri have set a new record by winning all 11 matches en route to the title,” said the coach.

“All coaches crave for an early goal and it was the turning point for us in the final. After that, we were able to maintain our discipline and keep our shape to hold out for the win.”

The coach said he would now try to persuade Hairudin to join Negri permanently next season.

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