PKNS FC
GEORGE TOWN: PKNS FC coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim is finding it amusing that his team have been installed as one of the favourites to win the Malaysia Cup.
By winning five out of six matches, the Selangor-based club side collected the most points (15) among the 16 competing teams in the group stage. They topped Group B ahead of Johor Darul Takzim (JDT), Terengganu’s T-team and Felda United, and now face Pahang in the two-leg quarter-finals.
The first leg will be played in Kuantan on Friday, with the return leg scheduled for next Saturday at the MBPJ Stadium in Selangor.
“I don’t know how PKNS ended up as the favourites when we have just entered our first-ever quarter-finals. We cannot compare ourselves to the big guns with rich traditions like Selangor, who have lifted the Cup 32 times, Pahang or Johor,” said Abdul Rahman yesterday.
“I consider PKNS lucky to have earned 15 points during the group stage. In our matches against JDT and T-Team, we had almost the same amount of possession as the opponents. We did not outplay anybody, but got the wins because we were better at converting our scoring chances.”
The former national coach, who led Perlis to Malaysia Cup triumph in 2006, has warned his players not to let the hype get into their heads.
“The Malaysia Cup quarter-finals is a new territory for PKNS. As this is an unfamiliar environment to many of the players in the squad, it is better that we tread with caution.
“Pahang are no pushovers, especially at their ground in Kuantan. PKNS are more used to playing in front of an empty stadium in our home matches. My players need to be mentally strong and not let the highly charged atmosphere in Kuantan affect them.”
Despite trying his best to position PKNS as the underdogs ahead of the clash, Abdul Rahman acknowledged that the club side have a fighting chance to create history in the 92-year-old competition this year.
“We will give it our best shot over the two legs against Pahang. PKNS are a team that play good, honest football and we will see how far our low-profile style can get us in the Malaysia Cup.”
The only “stars” in the team are Liberian striker Patrick Wleh and former Harimau Muda midfielder Nazmi Faiz.
Pahang have won the Malaysia Cup twice – in 1983 and 1992. PKNS’ only major silverware in recent times was winning the second-tier Premier League title in 2011.
Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.
