J. Partiban (left) crosses during training. - Photo by Kedah FC
PETALING JAYA: Despite off-field issues plaguing Kedah, the players and coaching staff are focused on helping the club to finish second in the Super League.
The Canaries are currently third in the league with 47 points from 22 games and can close the gap with Selangor by two points if they beat Negri Sembilan at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar tomorrow.
Selangor are second with 52 points from 23 matches.
Kedah, though, are beset with salary problems, which have been reported the past week and something that the Malaysian Football League (MFL) are looking to resolve, not just for them but several other clubs as well.
It is learnt that the northern club have not paid the players for two months, precisely for the month of August and September.
However, the players are committed to doing well for the team, especially winger J. Partiban.
The player, on loan from Kuala Lumpur, has been playing regularly for them with the hopes of building match fitness and confidence.
Partiban wants to show that he remains one of the wingers to watch in the league.
“My time in Kedah has been good because I am getting regular minutes and doing my best to help the team achieve their goal of finishing top three or the most, second in the league,” said the 30-year-old winger.
“As a player, I am grateful to coach Nafuzi (Zain) for believing in my abilities and giving me the freedom to play on the flanks.
“Thanks to him and the team, I have found joy in playing again.
“Yeah, we have the off-field issues but when we are on the pitch, we just think of the game. And not to forget, the Kedah fans who come to the stadium to watch us play.”
Despite Negri’s position in the league, where they are ninth with 21 points and also with salary problems, Partiban believes the Deer will mount a strong challenge in Alor Setar.
“Negri Sembilan are a side that work hard. They can be organised and really venomous with their pressing and counter-attacks. That’s something we have to be mindful of,” he said.
“Whether they play with five or three-man defence, we have to be ready for any tactical formation. My job is to get crosses and be part of the plays from the flanks.
“We have to work doubly hard to get the win.”
