PKNP coach Abu Bakar wants his boys to dream big

PETALING JAYA: Unheralded Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) promise to turn heads in the M-League.

Head coach Abu Bakar Fadzim said the players should keep believing in themselves in their bid to achieve their goals and ambitions.

“It’s going to be a test of character for my boys. They are making good progress on two fronts (Malaysia Cup and Premier League). We will see how they cope with the tough demands in these competitions, especially at this crucial stage.

“It’s not going to be easy. We are a small club and I’ve told the players that there is nothing wrong to dream big.

“We have come this far and should go all out to win the promotion slot to the Super League. We have a chance and let’s push harder to achieve it,” said Abu Bakar, whose side finished runners-up in the FAM Cup last year.

On Friday, the Premier League debutants put one foot into the Malaysia Cup semi-finals after they stunned Super League’s Felda United 3-1 in the first leg of the quarter-finals at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, Pahang.

Earlier, PKNP qualified for the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals by emerging as surprise Group A champions.

In the Premier League, PKNP are in fourth place. They have 37 points – just four behind joint leaders Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu. Negri Sembilan are third on 38 points.

With three more matches left, Abu Bakar reckons they can be one of the two teams to gain promotion. They face a crucial test against Negri at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh tomorrow.

I’ve told the players that there is nothing wrong to dream big.

Abu Bakar Fadzim