Time running out for PKNS players
TODAY’S match against Kedah at Shah Alam Stadium is the last chance for underperforming players from PKNS to show progress or risk being dropped when the transfer window opens on May 15.
Many expected newly promoted PKNS to make a lasting impression following several top signings but E. Elavarasan’s side are still struggling to find their footing.
PKNS are just above the relegation zone at 10th with 10 points.
There could be a glimmer of hope for PKNS today as Kedah will not have the services of four regulars.
Australian centre-back Zachary Anderson and Abdul Halim Saari are nursing injuries while Kosovo midfielder Liridon Krasniqi and right-back Rizal Ghazali are suspended.
Kedah, who ended their fourmatch winless run in the 1-0 success over Terengganu in the semi-final first leg of the FA Cup on April 30 in Alor Star, will leapfrog Pahang into second position if they beat PKNS.
Elavarasan hopes his team will take advantage against a weakened Kedah today.
“Kedah depend a lot on their foreigners. I think the absence of Anderson and Krasniqi may help us get a good result,” Elavarasan told Timesport yesterday.
“Only Safee is suspended. The rest are available for the game. We are planning to make changes to our squad when the transfer window opens.
“We definitely need to as we really need to improve our overall performance in the remainder of the season. We are just one spot above the relegation zone and this is not a good place to be.”
The coach is confident that once his team are beefed up, they will be able to do better and maybe end the season in the top six bracket.
“The gap is small between teams in the bottom half and a win today will place us higher up,” said Elavarasan, whose team have not won a league game since the 3-0 victory over Perak on Feb 11.
PKNS played in the Sultan of Selangor Cup against a Singapore selection side at National Stadium last weekend. Despite a promising show, the team lost 3-2.
“I think we did decently. We could have scored a third had Safee netted from the penalty spot. The experience has given us a boost for our league campaign,” Elavarasan added.
Kedah caretaker coach Nidzam Adzha Yusoff said his fringe players will need to perform above expectations to cover the four absent regulars.
“I believe they will do the job just fine as they have been part of the team for a long time. The crucial thing is that the players must play to instructions to get a good result,” said Nidzam.