S. Chanturu (left) is high on confidence after featuring for the national team against Tajikistan. - filepic
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak winger S. Chanturu is looking for a home win when they take on Terengganu in their Malaysia Cup Group B opener at the State Stadium in Kuching on Thursday night.
The nippy flanker said he is in buoyant mood after returning to the national football team after a two-year hiatus. Chanturu made the starting 11 in the 4-1 defeat to Tajikistan in a friendly last week.
“Playing in an international match is a massive confidence booster for any player as it obviously improves your game,” said Chanturu.
“I only joined training on Tuesday. I feel fine and ready to start the match.”
The former Kelantan star said they need to be wary of Terengganu who finished fourth in the Super League.
Chanturu said the Turtles have always been a formidable side with his former Kelantan team-mate, Mohd Norfarhan Mohamed, now leading the attack.
“We have home advantage and must collect full points,” said the 26-year-old player.
However, the Crocs are expected to field a depleted squad but coach Robert Alberts has not written off his team’s chances.
They will miss the services of their two imports, Bosnian striker Muamer Salibasic and Lebanon’s Hassan El Mohamad while defender Rony Harun is also on the crock list.
Without the two foreigners, Alberts will rely on Australian striker Ryan Griffiths and Hungarian Gabor Gyepes in central defence.
“We are used to playing without all three foreign players in the Super League and I am confident the local players will rise to the occasion,” he added.
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