PKNS’ Swirad happy to work with league’s ‘best defenders’

PETALING JAYA: Nicholas Swirad (pic) hails PKNS’ defence as the best he has played with since his professional career in Malaysia.

The 27-year-old said training with the likes of Tamirlan Kozubaev, Rodney Akwensivie, Qayyum Marjoni Sabil, Shahrom Abdul Kalam, Nik Shahrul Azim, Ariff Farhan Isa and P. Gunalan was a learning experience every day.

“To be honest with you, this is the best bunch of defenders I’ve worked with in Malaysia,” said Swirad, who hails from Manchester.

“Shahrom and Gunalan always share their experience while Ariff and Azim give me tips on how to play as a rightback.

”Bonai (Rodney) and Tamil (Kozubaev) always give their best, and their attitude rubs off on all the players.

“Datuk K. Rajagopal is a disciplinarian and he expects only the best from us. It’s good work with these people in PKNS.”

Swirad, in particular, has been a standout so far in team as he has scored two goals in six games and has been ever present in defence.

That form got the attention of national coach Tan Cheng Hoe and he was selected for centralised training but could not make his debut for Harimau Malaya due to a groin injury.

“Even though my first national call-up didn’t go well as I expected, I’m happy to be part of that group,” he added.

“They were positive and I learnt a great deal. My hope is to get back in the team in the future.”

The former Melaka defender said their game on Saturday would be tricky as PJ City are known for their high work-rate and pressing game.

“We have two days to prepare for the game and the players have gone through some video sessions,” he said.

“In the last six games, we worked as a unit and that has to continue if we want to do well in the league.”

PKNS are currently fourth with 11 points while PJ City are tenth with four points.