Pahang to tread with caution

PAHANG coach Dollah Salleh has warned his charges not to take M4 League side PIB FC lightly in today’s FA Cup second round encounter at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan.

Although the defending champions are expected to breeze past the Shah Alam-based club, Dollah wants his players to show total commitment throughout the match.

“We have seen many upsets in the FA Cup in England. Many Premier League clubs have lost to lower division teams. This could happen to us if we are not careful,” said Dollah yesterday.

“PIB do not have pressure going into the match as they are the underdogs. We have so much to lose if we do not beat them tomorrow.”

PIB coach Haswanis Che Hassan, however, does not agree with Dollah’s views on the match.

“Pahang are the overwhelming favourites. We are an amateur side compared to Dollah’s side.

“This match is a good opportunity for us to gauge our level against one of the best teams in the M-League.

“I hope my players will not get nervous tomorrow,” said Haswanis.

M3 League teams Kelantan United, Batu Dua FC, Penjara FC and Tun Razak FC are the other lower division teams who will be taking on Super League and Premier League clubs today.

All eyes will be on the clash between PKNS and Melaka at the Shah Alam Stadium.

PKNS will welcome back striker Kpah Sherman, who served out his suspension in a league match last weekend and his availability is expected to boost the Super League side’s attack.

Melaka will have to reshuffle as midfielder Liridon Krasniqi is still injured.

In other top clashes, secondtier side UiTM FC will take on PJ City in Shah Alam while Kedah will entertain Selangor United in Alor Star.