A point to prove
Prabakaran wants to turn it on to shut up the critics
PETALING JAYA: Selangor leftback K. Prabakaran will be out to make his critics eat their words when the Malaysian football resumes.
The 29-year-old was criticised by fans and cyberbullies over his performances in the first four matches in the Super League before the disruption of the league by the Covid19 pandemic.
Despite the brickbats and the three-month lay-off because of the outbreak, Prabakaran is back training with the Red Giants and determined to prove the critics wrong by producing the goods for his club.
“Of course, I will look to silence the critics. Fans are always supportive but those who taunted and abused you when you are down are like enemies. They do not know much about football,” said the former Sime Darby and Felda United player.
“I am still working hard in training and not taking any day off because of my love for the game. As long as the coaches, management and players know that you are doing well, that’s all that matters.
“I have told myself not to entertain the naysayers. Right now, I am just staying focused and going with the flow.”
Selangor have had an average start to the season as they are currently placed sixth with five points, only separated by goal difference from Sabah and Felda United who are placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Prabakaran said the team did not reach their maximum level in the four matches played but he believes they will get better once the season restarts.
Calling the current training period as a second pre-season, he said the motivation levels among the players are much higher now, and they are eager to prove to everyone that Selangor have it to do well in the league.
“Before a pre-season, you have a one-month break, but this time around, we had a three-month break even though we were given programmes to train at home.
“But nothing beats the feeling of training on the ground and being with your mates. Everyone is doing well with the current standard operating procedure.
“Fitness-wise, we are good and all of us know the challenge ahead will be tough. The first four games, we played against big sides like Pahang (2-1), Perak (1-1), Terengganu (3-3) and Kedah (0-2). Once the league resumes, we will be up against unfancied sides but we cannot underestimate them.
“Right now, we just need to train hard and keep focusing on getting better before the season resumes.”