Fitri revelling in first-team role for Selangor

A file picture of Fitri Shazwan Raduwan (left). He scored a goal in the 2-1 defeat against Lions XII at the Jalan Besar Stadium last month.

PETALING JAYA: Flanker Fitri Shazwan Raduwan has found a new lease of life with the Red Giants this season.

The 26-year-old Selangor winger is upbeat having won a first-team role after six seasons with the senior team. A delighted Fitri said he has featured in all of Selangor’s six matches (in all competitions) played so far, under new coach Mehmet Durakovic.

“It is a privilege to be with the 32-time Malaysia Cup champions and it is a greater feeling now to play in the first team,” said a delighted Fitri on Thursday.

Fitri rose through the ranks, winning the Youth Cup with Selangor in 2006 and the President’s Cup in 2008. He broke into the senior side in 2009 but since then has featured mostly as a reserve.

Fitri said he is enjoying his new role and is looking forward to end Selangor’s barren spell. The team have gone without silverware for three years.

“Things have taken a change for the better now. We are playing much better even with a new-look team. We are gaining confidence from game to game and our aim is to maintain our good start to the season,” said Fitri of the Selangor team.

He has combined well with Selangor’s new signings, especially Brazilian hitman Paulo Rangel, who has five goals to his credit. Fitri also contributed to the team’s goals, scoring one in the 2-1 defeat against Lions XII at the Jalan Besar Stadium last month.

Selangor currently top the 12-team Super League standings with nine points and Fitri expects them to get a favourable result against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Larkin Stadium on Satrurday.

“They remain a strong side irrespective of their inconsistent form,” said Fitri of JDT, who are languishing third from bottom with four points.

Fitri’s breakthrough into the first team was made possible following the exodus of Selangor players last season.

Among the stalwarts who left for greener pastures are Mohd Amri Yahyah (striker), Asraruddin Putra (left-back), Mahalli Jasuli (right-back) and Norazlan Razali (goalkeeper). Defenders Nasriq Baharom and Adib Aizuddin Latif, along with winger K. Solihin, have joined former Selangor coach Irfan Bakti at Felda United.