After a two week hiatus, the Malaysia Super League is set to resume this weekend, with a massive clash between Felda United and Perak on the cards.
There’s no need to reiterate Felda’s supremacy at the top of the Super League table thus far, they’ve been absolutely consistent in their performances, and are also unbeaten in the league this season.
It’s not been surprising to be honest. Felda, despite being in the Premier League last year, showcased that they were more than capable of challenging the top teams in the FA Cup as well as in the Malaysia Cup. So when they got promoted, naturally people expected them to do well.
Full credit though, must be given to Irfan Bakti and his men, for utilizing a brand of football that is not only exciting to watch, but equally solid in producing results and getting the job done. More importantly, there’s a fine balance between experience and youth, within the team.
But this weekend, they will be taking one a side that is glowing in youth exuberance, under the tutelage of experienced head coach, Datuk M. Karathu. Perhaps, it would even be fitting to label this one as a clash between two unexpected high flyers. Perak, with a youthful squad, were not expected to achieve much this year; some even tipped them to be relegation candidates.
What we’ve seen from them thus far though, is completely different. They’ve been a breath of fresh air in the league, showing no fear while exhibiting the epitome of hardwork and determination on the pitch. Namkung Woong, the standout player from their season thus far, has played a significant part in them fourth on the table as of now.
However, it doesn’t take a genius to know that they have serious issues upfront, with Namkung being the only one pulling the strings effectively. Jamaican striker Jorginho James was reportedly on the verge of signing for them, though it’s not known as to whether he would be eligible to make his debut at the Selayang Stadium tomorrow.
Felda will visibly head into this one as favourites, and if their excellent start doesn’t warrant them that tagline, nothing else will. Football though, has always been a simple and odd game at times. And Datuk M. Karathu, with 40 years of experience under his belt, evidently knows all about that. This will not be an easy ride for either side, regardless of who wins it.
Other posts by FO Newsdesk
