Long pre-season makes Felda a well-oiled side

PETALING JAYA: The longest pre-season of his career as a coach has been a blessing for Felda United’s Nidzam Jamil.

After almost 10 weeks of preparation for the 2020 Super League, the 39-year-old is loving the way things are developing in his side, especially some of his players who have shown great desire and hunger.

The team finalised their squad in January, and travelled to Medan, Indonesia, for pre-season matches.

And preparations are going smoothly, even with an injury to talismanic Daniel Amier Norhisham.

“We are doing well at the moment. It may not be perfect, but I personally like how things are developing, ” said the former Malaysian international.

“This is the longest pre-season I have ever had, almost 10 weeks, so there is ample time to strengthen the bond and also come up with the best tactics.

“Right now, I am almost certain of my first 11, but in the next two weeks, I will try out some youngsters in friendlies to see if they can impress us.”

Nidzam will start his tryouts against Premier League side Kelantan United in Kota Baru today.

He indicated that the five foreigners – Singaporean striker Khairul Amri, Serbian defender Nikola Raspopovic, Gabonese attacking midfielder Frederic Bulot, Japanese winger Ryutaro Megumi and Argentinian striker Nicolas Velez – will surely be in the first 11, but says some of local players are also challenging for their places.

“I am pleased with Ariff Farhan Isa. He has been unstoppable in all the friendly matches he played. He is our first choice rightback, and I dare say he should be in contention for the national squad.

“Jasazrin (Jamaluddin) will be leading the side.

“At 34, the way he trains and controls proceedings in midfield is exemplary.

“Velez has been scoring in every friendly while Megumi has been on fire in the flanks. Bulot’s professionalism on and off the field is a lesson for our youngsters. This year, we have a much-balanced team.”

In the past, Daniel’s injury would have been a cause for concern, but thanks to the emergence of Faiz Mazlan and also the signing of Fadhil Idris, Nidzam does not need to worry.

“We will surely miss him, but we have options. Faiz is only 22 and played 12 matches for us last season. As for Fadhil, we signed him because of his high workrate. For a coach, it is good to have options.”

Felda will kick off their Super League campaign against Petaling Jaya City at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, Pahang, on March 1.