Built for Silverware
Perak’s defensive duo look solid for Suzuki Cup success
PETALING JAYA: It’s the year of the defenders – as far as Perak’s Nazirul Naim Che Hashim and Amirul Azhan Aznan are concerned.
The fullbacks won the Malaysia Cup with Perak last month where they beat Terengganu in the final.
Now, Nazirul and Amirul want to cap off their brilliant 2019 season with the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Silver State duo are expected to feature in the first leg of the final against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Dec 11.
Amirul could be making his tournament debut in the final while Nazirul has featured as a substitute in the first-leg semi-final against Thailand and even started in the second leg.
Rightback Amirul is tipped to replace firstchoice Syahmi Safari, who is suspended after receiving a red card in Bangkok.
“I’ll be thankful if I’m selected. It’ll be the biggest day of my life because it’ll be the biggest stage I’ve played on for the national team,” said the 25-year-old Amirul.
“I’ve not started a game yet in this tournament but I’m glad to be part of this harmonious team. We are like a family and if one of our teammates is down, others will push him to do better.
“Syahmi is a great rightback. He has had a great tournament. However, our styles are different. If fielded, my aim is to do my best and constantly ask for pointers from the regular players.”
For leftback Nazirul, he can’t wait to play in his second final and admits he’s still feeling
I’ve not started a game yet in this tournament but I’m glad to be part of this harmonious team. We are like a family and if one of our teammates is down, others will push him to do better. Amirul Azhan Aznan
the final aura of the Malaysia Cup.
“It’s the second opportunity for me to get a trophy this year. However, there are some areas of my game that I need to work on.
“I’ve to adapt to the team’s momentum at the moment. We studied the playing styles of Vietnam and also their players in the group stage but in the final, we know it will be different.”
Perak head coach Mehmet Durakovic said it was an honour to have five Perak players – Nazirul, Amirul, Shahrul Mohd Saad, D. Kenny Pallraj and Muhammad Hafizul Hakim Khairul Nizam Jothy – in the national team.
“They’ve been performing very well. It’s been a long time since Perak had five players playing for Malaysia. Playing for the nation is an honour for their families and their club. I’m happy for Malaysian football,” said Durakovic.