Parthiban thrilled to be back home in Perak under Durakovic

I feel good: J. Parthiban (left) has rejoined Perak team under the charge of coach Mehmet Durakovic. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: It’s good to be back home!

Nippy winger J. Parthiban has rejoined Perak under the charge of coach Mehmet Durakovic after plying his trade in Sarawak and Terengganu in the last four years.

The 26-year-old Ipoh lad, who was instrumental for Terengganu in the Super League and Malaysia Cup last season, was signed up to bolster the team’s flank options.

“Being a Perakian, it’s always an honour to play for my state. In the last four years, I have learned a lot of things and it’s time for me to show what I’ve learnt in Terengganu and Sarawak,” said Parthiban.

“Durakovic is known for his man-management skills and I’ve always wanted to learn from him. Now, I’m going to work under him for my home state.”

The winger, who featured heavily in Terengganu’s Malaysia Cup campaign, said he was not expecting an instant path to the first XI and would fight for his spot.

“As a player, I should not be comfortable at all. For many years, I’ve been told to constantly improve and fight for the first XI spot. Perak are a big club and I’ve to be at my best to play for the team,” he said.

Parthiban, known for his pace and work ethic, first played for Perak in 2013 when he was given his debut by Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah. He then left his home state to play for Sarawak in 2015 under Dutch coach Robert Alberts and later joined Terengganu in 2017.

Under Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti, he improved his technique and became one of the side’s mainstays.

Describing Irfan as a father figure, Parthiban said the knowledge imparted by the veteran coach was valuable and he would miss his teammates in Terengganu, especially Ivorian forward Kipre Tchetche.

“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve played with and Terengganu are lucky to have him. Kipre knows how to motivate players and was there for me during my ups and downs in Kuala Terengganu.”