Mahali brings priceless power for PJ City

PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City (PJ City) are ramping up the team’s experience factor by bringing former Malaysian international Mahali Jasuli back into the forefront.

The 30-year-old from Selayang, who helped Malaysia win the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup and the SEA Games gold in 2011, has been brought in to add versatility to the squad.

After starting off as a rightback, Mahali was employed as a central midfielder and right winger last season with PKNS. There were also times when he was used as a centreback.

While many players prefer to stay in one position, Mahali is game to play anywhere under the tutelage of coach K. Devan.

“I have told the coach that I am fine playing anywhere as long as it fits his tactics.

“Whether as a fullback or midfielder, I am ready, ” said Mahali, who has also played for Johor Darul Ta’zim and Selangor in the past.

“I am looking forward to working with coach Devan.

“He is strict and someone who employs a very disciplined approach to his game.

“For me, it is exciting to work under him for the first time.”

The last year has been a turbulent one for Mahali.

When PKNS was taken over by Selangor, he had to sit down and think about his future.

Although he had numerous offers on the table, Mahali decided to take up PJ City’s offer because he did not want to leave the Klang Valley.

With his eight years in the Super League and Harimau Malaya experience, he is expected to be one of the leaders in the team.

”It can be quite tough because some players look up to you as role models. You must be conscious of whatever you do because you want to be a good example for the youngsters.

“As for my own expectations, I want to do my best in every match. Competitions for places will be tough so I have to make sure I am in tip-top condition week in, week out.”

Mahali is also happy to be reunited with his former AFF Suzuki Cup teammates Safee Sali and K. Gurusamy.

“I have played with them in PKNS before, so when it comes to chemistry, we still have it.

“We are all getting older, but our experience will surely bring us forward.

“We hope to bring a winning mindset into this side.

“Last season, PJ City finished eighth with 26 points, but we should do better this time.”

For the new season, PJ City have signed midfielders Gurusamy and D. Christie Jayaseelan, defenders Mohd Amer Saidin and Muhamad Syazwan Zaipol Bahari, striker R. Kogileswaran and goalkeeper Damien Lim.

They have also added South Korean midfielder Kim Bong-jin, who played for Vietnamese club Hoang Anh Gia Lai last season.