Wan Amirul’s heroics fail with points deduction

PETALING JAYA: In the first four matches of the Super League, Melaka’s rightback Wan Amirul Afiq Wan Abdul Rahman was in the form of his life.

The 27-year-old Kelantanese notched three assists in four matches and showed great defensive strength on the flanks which left pundits calling him a potential international.

Six points from four matches are decent, but all that hard work, especially from Wan Amirul, has been undone.

The Mousedeer are now in the relegation zone after the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deducted three points for the team’s failure to follow the financial plans they had submitted to settle players’ arrears.

For Wan Amirul, it was a big blow, and with the Malaysian Football League (MFL) announcing that only seven matches would be played if the league resumes in September, he feels his team are in a tough spot.

“For me, it was not the right decision because it is unfair for teams in the bottom half of the table.

“However, since they have made the decision, there is nothing else to be said but just to work hard and make sure it leads to results.”

Wan Amirul admitted that training on his own has not been easy, because he is used to practising with his teammates.

“I don’t feel happy. In training, you always feel joy with the boys, and when you have the ball at your feet, it is a great feeling.

“Right now, I am following the programmes sent by our fitness coach. I also do extra training to ensure that I can be at my best when training returns.”

As for financial issues plaguing his team, Wan Amirul said the management were doing their best to help them and admitted that the Covid-19 had taught many organisations some stern lessons.

“Not just us, but many teams will face difficulties because of the pandemic. Thankfully, Melaka are looking after our welfare at the moment.

“What we have learnt this season is that we have to be prepared in every aspect, including finances,” he said.