It’s left to rightback Syahmi to reproduce national form for Selangor

PETALING JAYA: Rightback Syahmi Safari has been going great guns in his assignments with the national team.

However, the same cannot be said when he dons Selangor’s jersey as he has only been good in patches in the Super League and FA Cup.

Syahmi, who has been hampered by injuries while with the Red Giants, is now fully fit and raring to get back to his true form.

Selangor, who were booted out of the FA Cup by minnows Felda United, are aiming to get back to winning ways when they host PKNP at the Shah Alam Stadium today.

Syahmi said even though they lost some key players to injuries, the squad’s spirit is still intact and they are well-prepared to face the Manjung-based club.

However, he reminded his teammates not to take PKNP lightly as they have shown that they can hold their own against the Super League’s big boys.

“Against Felda, we were careless and some of us did not follow instructions,” said Syahmi.

“That is why he (coach B. Sathianathan) said we played like kindergarten boys. It’s time we pull up our socks because this team are capable of doing much better.”

Football fans are also looking forward to the duel between Syahmi and PKNP’s captain and left winger Hafiz Ramdan.

“I am certainly looking forward to take him on. He has notched several assists and is known for his lethal combination with Yashir (Pinto).

“I must shackle him so that he can’t provide the ball for Yashir and Giancarlo (Rodrigues).

“It won’t be easy but it can be done.”

Meanwhile, PKNP coach Abu Bakar Fadzim said Selangor would be a handful as they are looking to bounce back after their Cup exit.

“They may be out of the FA Cup but they are doing well in the league,” said the 47-year-old coach.

“Our game plan is to be patient and get at least a point from Shah Alam.

“After beating PDRM 3-2 in the Cup tie, I can sense that the belief and understanding among the players are getting better.”