Main man: Selangor will be banking on Alvin Fortes for a good showing against Kuching City. – Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Selangor need more players like winger Alvin Fortes to step up in their attacking front if they harbour hopes of reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.
Fortes has been tormenting the opponents’ defence with his dribbling and close control but one can see that he was out of breath towards the end of the match against Kuching City at the first-leg quarter-finals in Kuching last week.
The Red Giants need to mount a strong comeback in the second-leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium today to atone for their 1-2 defeat.
Coach Nidzam Jamil however, does not think Fortes is not burdened with his duty as a striker.
“Fans say that Alvin is burdened and need more players to support him at the front but I do not see it that way. He is 30 and before joining the team, he knew the expectations we had set for him,” said Nidzam.
“Fortes is experienced and has played in so many leagues throughout his career, so he is mature enough to adapt to any role. And he never told us that he is burdened.
“But, we will support him whenever he needs us, especially when it comes to playing roles. We will ensure that he is not burdened.
“We will maximise his skills but also make sure that he is happy on the pitch.”
As for the defeat in the first-leg, Nidzam said his boys are ready for a fresh start.
“The boys have taken a positive approach. This is the FA Cup. This is another chance to atone for the first-leg defeat,” said Nidzam.
“I would not say the first leg defeat was shocking or expected. In football, when you lose, there will be lots of reflection, on how we prepared, how we lost, so we did that the whole week.
“Plus we are playing in front of our home fans. So we will surely give our all.
“Kuching shocked last year’s FA Cup finalist Kuala Lumpur and would want another stunner. But we have it under control and we look forward to producing a good game in front of our fans.”
Selangor qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals last year but lost to eventual champions Johor Darul Ta’zim 0-4.
The last time the Red Giants lifted the coveted title was in 2009 when they beat Kelantan 4-1 in a penalty shootout, after holding each other 1-1 in regulation time.
