Just a Burning desire to excel with youngsters

PETALING JAYA: We believe in our youngsters!

That was the message from Perak State Development Corporation Football Club (PKNP FC) head coach Abu Bakar Fadzim, who will be drafting in at least eight players from their President’s Cup squad.

Calling the club a stepping stone to greater success for professional footballers, the coach fondly known as “Burn” by his peers said the youngsters have what it takes to deliver in the 2019 Super League.

The eight players who were instrumental in Perak’s gold medal in the recent Sukma in Ipoh are goalkeeper Syafiq Afifi Suhaimi; defenders Filemon Anyie Standly, Sabir Salim, Syahmi Shukri; strikers Afif Safwan Sallahuddin, Hafidz Kamaruddin, Aysraaf Mat Pushni and Saifuddin Khairil Anuar.

“The club are running on a tight budget and it’s no different for the 2019 season. We’ll utilise what we have and our club have been known for youth development in the last few years.

“This is our second year in the Super League and we look to do better than what we did last season. PKNP are not able to attract big names but we’ll continue to be the club that provide a platform for young players to shine,” said the 47-year-old coach.

PKNP FC finished ninth in their debut season with 25 points from 22 games. Halfway through the season, mercurial winger and captain Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi left the club on loan to join Thai League 1 side Nakhon Ratchasima but up came vice-captain Mohamad Hafiz Ramdan, who became the club’s top provider with six assists.

Abu Bakar admitted that both Shahrel and Hafiz are pursued by various clubs in Malaysia and it’s up to them to decide where they want to play in the 2019 season.

“As far as I’m concerned, they’re still part of the team and are very much part of my plans for 2019. However, if there are better offers, it’s up to the player and management to decide.”

Foreign players Ritus Kraujklis, Franklin Clovis Anzite, Karl Max and Kim Sang-woo have been released by the side as they did not create much of an impact in the 2018 season.

“We need a breath of fresh air. These players did work hard but their contribution is almost similar to the local players. We want players who can elevate the team.”