Coach ‘Burn’ says PKNP will gel when Super League starts

PETALING JAYA: Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) head coach Abu Bakar Fadzim is confident that his team will click into gear when the Super League starts in February.

The club side have played two friendly matches which ended with a 2-2 draw against University of Korea last month and a 4-0 win over Premier League outfit Penang on Dec 9.

They’ll take on another Premier League outfit UiTM at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium tomorrow.

Abu Bakar, who’s fondly called “Burn”, said he would test his new signing Thomas Abbey of Ghana in the UiTM match.

“We’ll only have four foreign players for next season although we are allowed to sign five. We want to give our local players more chanc- es,” said Abu Bakar.

“We’ve a combination of good imports and exciting young local talents. We can’t afford big names but I believe with our approach we can finish in the top six in the Super League.”

PKNP finished ninth out of 12 teams 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.

Abu Bakar said Shahrel has returned from his stint in Thailand but has yet to decide on his future.

“It’s up to Shahrel to stay or leave. At PKNP, we’re willing to be a stepping stones for players to reach greater heights.”