No baby Elephant
Diminutive Wan Zaharulnizam game for bigger role with Pahang
PETALING JAYA: Pint-sized Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria is game to take on bigger roles in the Pahang team. And he’ll get the ball rolling by keeping his spot in the first XI.
Starting for the first time in the 1-1 draw against Selangor last week at the Darulmakmur Stadium, he made his mark by scoring to put the Elephants ahead.
The 27-year-old winger, who came from the Harimau Muda set-up, is behind other wingers Saddil Ramdani, Mohamadou Sumareh and Faisal Halim in the pecking order but was given a chance to play due to Nor Azam Azih’s suspension.
In the first three matches, he made two substitute appearances and admitted he was prepared for life on the sidelines.
“I got my chance to play for the team and I did my best. I hope it continues, but as a professional, I need to work hard in training and accept whatever plans the coach has for me,” said Wan Zaharulnizam.
“Being in the first eleven will be great, but I don’t mind being a super sub too.
“I just want to take it one step at a time. It will be a long season, and I’m sure the coach will rest key players or rotate them.”
If given the chance to play regularly, the former Kelantan winger has set a target of scoring eight goals this season.
Last season, Wan Zaharulnizam played 31 matches but only scored two goals. In all competitions, he started 19 games and was one of the chief creators.
“I believe I can score at least eight goals this season. It’s my favourite number,” said Wan Zaharulnizam, who dons the No. 8 jersey.
The inclusion of popular Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme, Brazilian striker Ze Love and French defender Herold Goulon has galvanised the squad as the team are currently third with eight points, after winning their first two games and drawing the last two.
“The players may be new, but they have adjusted to the surroundings pretty well. Nwakaeme is always comfortable with everyone, and the other two additions have solidified our family,” he said.
“It’s a long season, and I hope to see us getting stronger in every game. The harmony is there, and I’m glad to be part of this squad.”
Pahang play PKNP at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium today. However, the team will be without midfielder Safuwan Baharuddin and Goulon, who are suspended while Muslim Ahmad will also be rested due to a muscle injury.