PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur are set to miss the customary displays of their long-time midfielder Akram Mahinan (pic) – also known as Duracell Bunny – at the Cheras Football Stadium.
Akram has bid adieu to his four-year stay with the City Boys as he looks for a new challenge to rejuvenate his career with either Kuching City or Terengganu.
The 30-year-old, who joined the club in 2020 when they were in the Premier League, said he cherished the moments but it was time to move on.
With Kuala Lumpur, Akram won the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and helped them to qualify for the AFC Cup final in 2022 and the FA Cup final in 2023.
“It was four beautiful years with them. To be honest, last year was a challenging one for me and the others. We went through lots of ups and downs together as a team,” said Akram, who won 26 caps with Malaysia.
“But that did not deter us as a team. Together, we have created so many good memories, ones that will always be in my heart.
“Unfortunately, it is time to say goodbye to the city, their fans and the coaches who have always been there, guiding me, showing me the way in the game.”
Last season, Akram could not give his usual impact to the team due to injuries. He was named for 21 games in all competitions but only started in nine.
Plus, the players had to grapple with the club’s financial issues as they were owed salaries for months but the management eased the fear by saying they would settle them as soon as possible.
Akram, who will turn 31 on Jan 19, can still be depended on despite his growing age.
He is not the one to make crunching challenges, but his reading of the game, interceptions and blocks have been lauded by many in the league and he is still fit as a fiddle.
It is learnt that Akram has received offers from Kuching City and Terengganu, but sources said that he is close to moving to the east coast side as he hopes to earn regular minutes and push the door for a national team spot again.
“I’ll decide my future by this month, but I’m looking forward to penning a new chapter in my career.”
