On opposing sides: Kuala Lumpur centreback Nicholas Swirad (left) and Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville have a mission to accomplish in their Super League clash today.
PETALING JAYA: It will be a clash between friends when Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville face off with Kuala Lumpur centreback Nicholas Swirad in their Super League Klang Valley derby.
The Red Giants will take on the City Boys at the Cheras Football Stadium today, with Samuel set to start as the custodian while Nicholas will vie for one of the two centreback spots.
They have always watched each other’s games in the domestic scene and played a couple of times against each other but it will be their first encounter in a derby match.
And both are putting their friendships aside for their clubs.
When asked if Samuel had a conversation with Nicholas about the match, the former was cheeky about it.
“Nick (Nicholas) is a good friend of mine and of course, there’s been a few comments exchanged. We’ll see who has the last laugh after the game, hopefully it’s me,” he said.
Selangor are riding high as they have reached the FA Cup semi-finals after beating Kuching City 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
They lost the first leg 1-2 and were down to nine men in the second but still managed to edge their opponents 3-2 for a 4-4 draw on aggregate that forced the game into a shootout.
But the Red Giants’ focus now will be on conquering the derby.
“I’ve played in a few games now and it’s always a great game to be a part of,” said Samuel.
“We’ve come off the back of a couple of tough games and it has shown our character.
“I know all the boys are motivated and we will bring that good feeling into this game.”
Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil is aware of the off-field situation faced by KL, with their players owed several months’ wages but he is only focused on getting a result for his club.
“Every result is decided on the pitch. It is the derby, so we will go in with lots of gusto, hoping that our fans will also fill the Cheras Stadium,” he said.
“We have some boys recovering from the FA Cup quarter-final second-leg game, but we are carrying the motivation from that game into this.
“KL are a good side despite the departure of some key players in recent seasons. But they still have Paulo Josue, Haqimi (Azim Rosli) and Brendan (Gan).”
The last time both these sides met was in August last year when Selangor upstaged Kuala Lumpur 2-0 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Aug 8.
In the last five derby games, the Red Giants have had the upper hand, winning three and drawing two.Nidzam said he was looking forward to facing Brendan, who captained the Selangor team from 2021 to 2023.
“I miss talking to Brendan. He is a leader and captain. He will always be in the history books of Selangor. We are in Asia because of him and his comeback after the battle with cancer is inspirational.
“If he plays today, I hope he is still the same Brendan we know.”
Kuala Lumpur are fifth in the league with four points from three games, while Selangor are second with nine points.
