Queensland’s Anderson joins Perak
PETALING JAYA: Perak are keeping to their family-style team concept by signing Australian defender Zachary Anderson.
The 27-year-old centreback is continuing his football journey in Malaysia after he sealed a deal with the Super League side.
The former Australian Central Coast Mariners’ team defender said the idea of playing for Perak head coach Mehmet Durakovic was too good to turn down.
“I received offers from Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore but when coach Durakovic called me and asked me to join his side, I quickly accepted.
“Perak are a successful side who have won many trophies in the past and last season they won the Malaysia Cup. I also want to help Perak get into the AFC Champions League,” said the former PKNS and Kedah player, who is fondly known as Zac.
Set to play his third season in Malaysia, Anderson said Perak have a good family atmosphere – thanks to Durakovic’s emphasis on unity and togetherness within the team.
“I am very excited to play for Perak. I liked how Mehmet has formed a healthy family atmosphere. I cannot wait to get started for pre-season and I aim to get off to a good start for the season.”
Durakovic is an Australian coach who used to play for several clubs in the Australian National Football League.
When asked what made him stay in Malaysia, he said: “It is a fantastic country. The league here is growing, and the teams are getting stronger. I have always enjoyed my time in Malaysia.”
Anderson is good friends with midfielder Brendan Gan, who was in born in Sutherland Shire, Australia, and he’s looking forward to teaming up with him in the Perak team.
“In two seasons, I have understood the Super League quite well. I am going to bring my physical presence, strength and leadership into the team.
“I want to make sure the team are strong at the back and help keep as many clean sheets as possible. I am also looking forward to playing with Shahrul (Mohd Saad), whom I watched closely last season.
“He is a strong player, and I am glad coach Tan (Cheng Hoe) selected him for the AFF Suzuki Cup. I want to form a strong partnership with him,” he said.
Anderson played 29 times and scored one goal for PKNS last season, and in 2017, he featured 31 times for Kedah and helped them win the Charity Shield that year.
The Queensland native was an A-League champion in the 2012-2013 season when he played for Central Coast Mariners.