In the fray: Kuala Lumpur’s D. Kenny Pallraj (centre) in action against Selangor at the Cheras Football Stadium on Sunday. — MFL
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur midfielder D. Kenny Pallraj had not even figured in coach Miroslav Kuljanac’s plan for the Super League Klang Valley derby.
But with first-teamer Brendan Gan injured, he was told he was going to start just a day before the game.
But the 31-year-old defender, who was asked to play in midfield, was truly in his element as he helped his club down Selangor 1-0 at the Cheras Football Stadium on Sunday.
“It was a last-minute decision to play me in midfield. I was kind of stressed because I am used to playing as a centreback. In defence, you are a bit more calmer compared to midfield,” he said.
“Playing in midfield, especially in a derby match, you have to cover every inch of grass. I had to prepare myself mentally for this situation.”
Kenny showed no sign of stress as he pulled off a midfield masterclass against the Red Giants. His incessant pressing led to Kuala Lumpur’s only goal of the match when he stole the ball from Selangor midfielder Nooa Laine and passed it to Bosnian winger Jovan Motika, who put the ball between the legs of Selangor goalkeeper Samuel Somerville in the 63rd minute.
“Even though I have not played in midfield for a long time, my mates were confident I could do the job.
“Zhaf (Zhafri Yahya), Ryan (Lambert) and I had a good understanding in the middle of the park especially when we switched positions. That was crucial in our performance.
“It was also a nice feeling to assist Jovan because he worked so hard during training sessions. I hope he will score more.”
On the salary arrears faced by the players, Kenny said the boys showed that the derby meant more to them than money.
“Finance is important but we showed people that football remains our passion. When we get on the field, we forget about problems and show our love for the game.
“I’m not saying it will ease the problems we have. We have families to feed and also commitments to fulfil but the derby was a place to show that nothing can stop us from giving our best.”
Kuala Lumpur move to fourth with seven points from four matches, while Selangor remain second with nine points from five matches.
