While Johor DT will be taking on Selangor this week; the weekend’s biggest game based on face value, there’s no denying the fact that Kelantan’s affair against PDRM is more likely to provide excitement.
We’re talking about an East Coast side that’s currently topping the table after clinching maximum points from their first two games. George Boateng promised to shape his squad in such a way that they would be hard to defeat and that is precisely what he’s done with the team. Against ATM and LionsXII, the Red Warriors displayed an impeccable balance in the middle of the park, threading the path of attack vs defence with utmost cautious, as reflected in the score line of their wins.
Similarly, Boateng will be looking to have his team perform in the same way on Saturday. He knows the Super League isn’t about sudden sparks of brilliance. As with every other league contest, it’s always about consistency on a long-term basis and victories being secured by hook or crook. And while Kelantan will head into certain games with an overzealous intention to attack, it will not be against PDRM.
Azman Adnan’s men are on a high after their massive win over Johor DT. Do not trivialize the value of this team, based on their first defeat to LionsXII. The first half of that game was one that the entire team would love to forget as it did not reflect their true potential. What happened after the break was reflective of their true credentials, when they bounced back to net three goals. The following week, they held title favourites Johor DT to a frustrating affair, before finding the coveted goal to clinch victory on the day.
Truth be told, this is a side that has a wide array of attacking arsenal. Ali Ashfaq doesn’t need any introduction, but Dramane Traore is already the league’s top scorer with three goals. In the middle of the park, they have the creative Mohamadou Sumareh, who netted the elusive goal last week. These are the three players that Kelantan will be keen to keep a close eye on.
As for the Red Warriors, Erwin Carillo has looked a decent player on their offensive department, but the composure of Jonathan McKain is one that they’ve missed dearly, since the departure of Obinna. His assured performances at the back, has eased the pressure on Amar Rohidan, who know has the massive task of covering for Brendan Gan.
This game has all the criteria needed to end up being a stellar affair. And with the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium forming the back-drop with an atmosphere that’ll be nothing short of boisterous, expect nothing less than festivity when the match kicks off on Saturday night.
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