Malaysian football legends Zainal and Dollah collide in Super League

Buddies Dollah and Zainal collide as Pahang take on Melaka

PETALING JAYA: It’s a “Battle of the Buddies” which promises to be a fiery one.

Former teammates and colleagues Dollah Salleh and Zainal Abidin Hassan face off in the third week of the Super League when Pahang take on Melaka at the Hang Jebat Stadium today.

Dollah, who has been coaching Pahang since 2017, said he often speaks to his friend Zainal but it will be strictly business between them on match day.

“We always communicate. To me, this is a league game and the aim is three points. Zainal and I are professionals, and our task is to make sure that our teams do well,” said Dollah.

“In my case, I have to make sure that my team get better. We’re facing Melaka, who have won two matches on the trot and they also want to win in front of their home fans.

“However, our spirit in the last two matches has been good and I’m looking forward to seeing my players do well. It will not be an easy game and both teams have a 50-50 chance.”

Dollah said he has no injury concerns and expects his usual 11 to play against Melaka.

Dickson Nwakaeme, who is the league’s top scorer with three goals, is expected to be the Elephants’ key player.

“Dickson is a good player, and I expect him to do well today. Ze Love has yet to find his scoring touch but he’s a high-level player.

“I’m sure the goals will come. Ze Love is always relaxed because he knows what he’s capable of,” said Dollah.

For Zainal, he’s putting sentiments aside and wants his team to get three points to continue their good run in the Super League.

“To me, work is work. We’re friends personally but professionally, we have to put that aside and focus on the task ahead.

“Melaka are doing well but we know the league will get tougher. The players in Melaka are still gelling because it’s a very new squad,” said Zainal.

“We’re improving game by game and that has to continue. I’m happy with the commitment of my players but I know they can do much better.

“In the coming weeks, the chemistry will get better and we aim to take it one step at a time. It will surely be a good match against Pahang,” he said.

Melaka are tied with Pahang and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on six points but they are third behind JDT in the 12-team table.