PKNP’s new defender Asrorov the man for strikers to beat

PETALING JAYA: The name Siyovakhsh Asrorov sounds like a mouthful – and he’s expected to be a handful for many strikers in the Malaysian Super League.

The Tajikistani international defender is the PKNP’s second foreign signing after Ghanaian attacking midfielder Thomas Abbey.

Two-time AFC Cup runner-up Asrorov boasts an excellent reputation as he has featured for Tajikistan 36 times and has played for the country’s top division side FC Istikhlol since 2013.

PKNP head coach Abu Bakar Fadzim said Asrorov would bolster the team’s backline and also bring balance to the side.

“He has played in one pre-season match and he looks good. Against Perlis, he played well in the first half but came off injured in the second half.

“Defensively, we have no problems now thanks to his inclusion. Right now, results don’t matter– it’s the team chemistry that I want to build before the season starts,” Abu Bakar said.

PKNP drew with Perlis 3-3 at the Universiti Malaya (UM) Arena on Sunday.

They have four more friendly matches against Felda United (Jan 12), Warriors FC (Jan 17), Penang (Jan 19) and PKNS (Jan 27).

Abu Bakar added that he wants to ensure all players are match fit before the season starts.

“I want to work on the rotations and getting the players fit.

“Many players who had long-term injuries last season are slowly assimilating into the squad and these friendlies will help them get match fit.

“We’ll also be looking at adding two more foreign strikers.

“I’m not going to rush and will take my time assessing several foreign players.” Winger and vice- captain Mohamad Hafiz Ramdan has told the club he would stay on while talismanic striker Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Fauzi is still undecided on his future.

Mohd Fazrul Hazli Mohd Kadri, Afiq Azmi and Mohd Hafiz Kamal, who did not feature for their previous clubs last season due to injuries, have been signed by the club and Abu Bakar believes their experience will be an asset.