Always a handful: G. Pavithran dribbling past a Singaporean player during their group match. — FAM
PETALING JAYA: Youngster G. Pavitran has been on a real hot streak in the Under-19 Asean Championship, scoring three goals in two games.
The 19-year-old Pavitran found the net again in the 45th minute as Malaysia demolished Singapore 5-0 at the Gelora 10 November Stadium in Surabaya, Indonesia, on Monday.
He had earlier scored two as the Harimau Muda whitewashed Brunei 11-0 in their opening Group C fixture.
The other goal scorers against Singapore were Ridzwan Rosli (seventh minute), Naim Zainudin (12th), Farish Danish Mohd Asrul (73rd) and Izzat Syahir Zulishan (82nd).
Johor Darul Ta’zim II player Pavitran said he was happy to deliver the goods.
“I’m happy but I need to work harder to be a better player. It’s a collective effort from everyone in the team,” said Pavitran.
“The players are able to follow our coach’s (Torres Garrido) tactics.’’
Pavitran knows their next game against Thailand will be tougher in the final group match at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium tomorrow.
Malaysia just need a draw to top the group and get to the semi-finals. Even if they lose, they will likely finish as the best runners-up, thanks to their huge goal difference.
“It would not be easy taking on Thailand but my teammates are ready. We want to continue the momentum that we are in at the moment,” said Pavitran who started playing football at the age of six.
He joined the JDT Academy at the age of 13 and rose in the ranks by playing for the Belia and President Cup squads and this year, he is making his mark in the MFL Cup.
“I have gained much knowledge and experience with JDT. My idol is Arif Aiman (Hanapi). He was a wonderkid and look what he is doing for JDT and Malaysia right now. I want to emulate him.
“I also want to thank the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for giving me a platform to showcase my performance.”
