Moses Raj in action for Perak during the President Cup. - Photo by Perak FC
M. MOSES Raj has been the stalwart in defence for Perak in Malaysia Games (Sukma).
Thanks to the centreback and his backline, the Seladang topped Group D with seven points, without conceding a single goal in three matches.
Perak, who failed to reach the knockout stages in the 2022 Games are now in the quarter-finals and will be one of the teams to watch in Sarawak.
The boy from Falim is playing as a state player for the first time having previously played only for SMK Anderson, his school in Ipoh.
“I started playing football when I was 11 but I only joined Perak this year at the age of 19. Before that, I only played in school-based tournaments and also amateur leagues,” said Moses, 19.
“The year 2024 has been amazing so far. I was called up for the President Cup, the National Under-19 team and now in Sukma.”
He is now blossoming under the tutelage of coach Shahril Nizam Khalil and his assistant, former Perak player V. Saravanan.
“I want to help Perak win the gold and I believe we can do that. Coach Shahril is a great motivator while coach Sara is a legend in Perak, so I always ask for pointers from him.
Moses’ hero, however, is Shahrul Saad, who once captained Perak. Shahrul now plays for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League and is also a regular in the national team.
“Shahrul hails from my school. Over the years, his performances have been consistent. I learnt the game from him. That is why I am comfortable with aerial duels and also passes.
Perak will take on Melaka in the quarter-finals at the Mukah Stadium on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Saravanan, who is also Perak’s Presidents Cup assistant coach, wants to help the team win gold before he returns to Finland this December. Saravanan, who is married to a Finn, was previously coaching HJK Helsinki in their youth setup.
The Perak legend joined the state’s coaching staff last season as assistant to Datuk Lim Teong Kim, and then Yusri Che Lah. This year, he was sent to assist Shahril.
“I have a great rapport with the boys. I want them to feel like we are with them at all times,” said the 46-year-old, who played in the 1997 World Youth Championships for Malaysia.
“My contract with Perak ends in December and I will be returning to Finland. I have had some offers there but before going back to Europe, I want to help my state win the Sukma gold.”
