PKNP coach says let’s get on with the show despite no key players
PETALING JAYA: Like most unheralded sides, Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) are eager to make a dream debut in the Super League.
But having lost five key players – strikers Shahrel Fikri, Kim Hyunwoo (South Korea) and Gilberto Fortunato (Brazil), midfielders Ahmad Syukri Abdul Hamid and Syazwan Zaipol – a nightmarish start will not be unthinkable.
PKNP coach Abu Bakar Fadzim (pic) admits he faces a tough task to replace the players but insists the show must go on.
“We’ve signed two strikers, Cambodian international Keo Sokpheng and South Korean Yeon Gi-sung. We have trials for two more import players and we’re also trying to get a few more local players,” said Abu Bakar, who guided PKNP to third in the Premier League last season.
“It’ll be tough in the Super League. We want to give a good fight and also do better in the Cup competitions.
“But if the team have the same fighting spirit and self-belief of last season, we can be a surprise package.”
PKNP and Negri Sembilan were promoted to the top flight after M-League organiser Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) demoted T-Team and Felda United.
T-Team left the Super League to be a feeder team for Terengganu while Felda failed to obtain a club licence.
PKNP were Premier League debutants last season, quickly establishing themselves as giant killers when they stunned a few top teams to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals and the Malaysia Cup.
The 46-year-old Abu Bakar said PKNP will play their home games at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang as the Perak Stadium in Ipoh will be utilised for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) next September.
“It’s a blow for us not to play at home. Last season, most of our upsets happened on home ground. Now, we have to wait until the Sukma ends before we can play at home again.
“I think we’ll struggle in the first half of the season,” said the 46-yearold coach.
“The first three matches will be very important. If we make a good start, it can inspire us to a good finish in the Super League.”