On the double: Kedah captain Sony Norde (centre) celebrates his two-goal feat against Kuala Lumpur in a Malaysia Cup match at the Darul Aman Stadium. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Six players snubbed Kedah by not showing up for the match against Kuala Lumpur but it did not stop the rest of the Canaries from winning their first-leg match in the Malaysia Cup.
The team have been mired with financial problems and it did not come as a surprise when coach Nafuzi Zain was given a jolt just before the kick-off on Friday, when a small group of players boycotted the game at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.
With only 12 players at his disposal, the former Terengganu coach did his best with his first eleven and only one substitute.
Despite the grave situation, the affable coach stayed cool and told his charges: “Play with freedom, remember why you are playing in the game and look at the faces of the fans who are here.”
Those words galvanised his men, as they notched a 3-2 victory over the City Boys.
Haitian winger Sony Norde produced a captain’s innings for the Canaries when he scored two goals in the 27th and 30th minutes, while the third was scored by Uzbekistani winger Sukhrob Nurullaev in the 68th minute.
Kuala Lumpur hit back through midfielder Ryan Lambert (12th) and Bosnian winger Jovan Motika (74th).
With a slim lead into the second leg at the Cheras Football Stadium on Dec 1, the win feels special in the midst of their financial woes. Some claiming that they had been owed seven months’ salary or even more.
Nafuzi kept a brave front in front of the media and saluted the boys who played yesterday.
“The decision made by the players was last minute, so yes, it was a shock at first. We prepared for this game with a full squad and then, there were only 12 available,” he said.
“But I was not too worried. I’m just humbled. I knew the ones who played, had given their everything. Despite the problems, they did what they wanted to do, which was to play on.
“This is an experience for me as a coach. I guess I have to face this.”
But he went on to add that the players who boycotted had their reasons for doing so, and he was not angry with them.
“We discussed it in a good way. I understand what they had been going through. I cannot blame them at all.”
As for his future, Nafuzi did not want to say much on rumours that he could be taking over the Malaysia Under-23 setup next month.
“Let me enjoy this win with the boys. I am here now, I am still with Kedah.”
Norde’s future with the club could be ending soon, with Nafuzi revealing that clubs have enquired about his services. There are strong rumours linking him to Indonesian club Malut United.
“If he leaves, I respect his decision. He is a quality player and produces top performances week in, and week out.
Meanwhile, an unhappy Kuala Lumpur coach Miroslav Kuljanac said his team looked jaded in the game compared to their form in training.
“They looked good in training but I was not satisfied with them during the match. I will have to talk with them.
“Our defending was loose and some players were selfish in front of the goal. These setbacks need to be addressed,” said the Croatian.
