The Star Malaysia

Shahrul out to prove why he is coach Mike’s pick

-

PETALING JAYA: It came as no surprise when mop-haired Shahrul Nazeem Zulphakar was called up to join the Selangor team ahead of the Malaysia Cup.

The skipper and reliable defender of feeder team Selangor II has impressed Selangor’s interim coach Michael Feichtenbe­iner.

Feichtenbe­iner has included the 21-year-old Shahrul because he has a good reading of the game and is a quick-witted backliner. His presence is expected to add depth in the team gearing up for the Malaysia Cup starting on Nov 6.

The youngster knows that playing in the first team is a whole new ball game as he will be facing household names from the Super League but he is ready.

“It will be tough because I will be up against many illustriou­s names, who have experience­d the big league. However, that does not mean I will not put in the effort,” said Shahrul.

He will have to compete with the likes of Australian defender Taylor Regan, Rodney Akwensivie and Ashmawi Yakin for a spot in Feichtenbe­iner’s first 11.

“If given a chance, I would surely show my capability. Honestly, it is a proud feeling to train with the first team and even if I play as a substitute, I will guarantee that I will go all out.”

One thing is for sure, he’s on a familiar territory when it comes to training.

“Training with the first team is similar to working out with Selangor II because Feichtenbe­iner coached the second team first before being made an interim coach. I have no problem understand­ing what the coach wants,” he said.

“Due to the conditiona­l movement control order in the Klang Valley, we are divided into few groups to do our sessions on the field. It is tough to do tactical training but we will make do with what we have for now.”

Selangor are eyeing Malaysia Cup glory after falling short in the Super League when they finished a dismal fifth in the 12-team standings.

The Klang Valley outfit are the most successful team in the Malaysia Cup – having won it 33 times.

 ??  ?? Going all out: Shahrul Nazeem (right) will have to contend with the likes of Australian defender Taylor Regan, Rodney Akwensivie and Ashmawi Yakin for a spot in Selangor’s first 11.
Going all out: Shahrul Nazeem (right) will have to contend with the likes of Australian defender Taylor Regan, Rodney Akwensivie and Ashmawi Yakin for a spot in Selangor’s first 11.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia