Hard at work: Perak stalwart A. Shivan Pillay (centre) training for the Malaysia Cup match against JDT tomorrow. — Photo by Perak FC
PETALING JAYA: It will be like David taking on Goliath when Perak clash with mighty Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the first leg semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
One of Perak’s key players A. Shivan Pillay knows the heavy task that lies ahead of the team but the centreback is looking forward to staying solid in defence at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh tomorrow.
“JDT are a big team but it’s a Cup game so anything can happen,” said the 23-year-old.
“Our defenders have to be on their toes to fend off their dangerous attackers like Bergson (Da Silva) and (Fernando) Forestieri.
“They have the depth. Some of their players are playing for the national team but they still have the others in the flank who can cause the damage too.
Shivan said the key was to stand strong in the early part of the game.
“Our team atmosphere has been great and all the coaches have been pushing and motivating us in training,” he said.
“The goal is to try and minimise our mistakes. If we can stay solid in the first 20 minutes without conceding goals, that will be good as it will surely lift our spirits to keep going throughout the game.
“We are just a step away from the final and this is a chance of a lifetime... we should not waste it.”
Perak were not even fancied to get to the semi-finals but they have defied the odds by beating Kedah in the last 16 (4-3 on aggregate) and Sabah in the quarter-finals (3-2 on aggregate).
The Seladang’s mauling of the two giants have been the story of the Cup so far, but the fairy tale could come to an end unless they pull off something extraordinary.
The home fans are expected to turn up in droves and Shivan does not want to disappoint them.
“We are playing the first leg at home so the presence of the fans will be a huge support for us,” he said.
Shivan has had the most starts for Perak, playing 24 matches in all competitions throughout the year.
Despite Perak’s poor position in the Super League, where they are lying 11th with 19 points, Shivan has done well so far for the team with his game reading, interceptions and aerial duels.
“This year has been a rollercoaster ride for us but I would say this is the best season I’ve had in my career. I’ve been getting a lot of minutes and that has made me a better player,” he said.
“But there’s a lot of work to do to improve on my game and hopefully we can finish the remainder of the season strongly and make history in the Malaysia Cup.
“My dream is to play for the national team and I will continue to work hard to realise it.”
Kuala Lumpur play Terengganu in the other Malaysia Cup semi-final on Saturday.
