Sony’s music for Melaka

He’s hot now after Azerbaijan: New signing Norde during a training session with Zainal. — Melaka FA

PETALING JAYA: Melaka’s new hotshot Sony Norde has hit the ground running with his electrifying performances in pre-season friendlies.

The attacking midfielder, who is also able to play as a striker, scored five goals in three pre-season matches and is expected to do damage to defences with his striker partner Uche Agba.

The Haitian international comes with a big reputation as a stalwart of Indian League heavyweights Mohun Bagan after featuring for the West Bengal side for five seasons from 2014-2019, scoring 37 goals in 88 appearances.

When asked to describe his prime attributes as a player, the 30-year-old said: “I think it is better to see me play because I do not like to talk about myself.”

“It is best for people to judge me. My time with Melaka has been good so far, and we have done well in our pre-season preparations. However, my performance can be better, and I understand very well what coach (Zainal Abidin Hassan) needs from me.

“I have played in India for five years and had pleasant memories there. Also, the club made history when they played in the AFC Champions League qualifiers for the first time in 2015.”

For Norde, the decision to move to Malaysia was taken as his family was not happy staying in Azerbaijan, where he played for Azerbaijan Premier League Zira FK.

“It was too cold for my family. That is when I spoke to my agent and his quest brought me to Malaysia, and we are happy so far.

“Coach Zainal has made me comfortable in Melaka, and I like the way he makes us play. He is like a father to us all.

“Also, I am happy to play alongside Uche, who is experienced in Malaysia football, as he played for Police last year.”

Norde, who has earned cult hero status in West Bengal, usually plays as a winger or playmaker, but can also play as a target man.

However, with Agba being Melaka’s main target man, Norde will be expected to provide ammunition for the Nigerian striker.

Like any professional, Norde has expectations, but he wants to focus that on the team instead of himself.

“I want Melaka to finish top three in the Super League and win at least a trophy. That is my aim, and I hope we can do that.

“The team are united, and we can see how determined they are during pre-season. Let’s hope it translates to a good run in the league.”

For the new season, Melaka went on a massive rebuilding exercise after letting go of many of the players. They have played 10 friendly matches to get the new and old players in the team to bond.

Besides Norde and Agba, the other new players in the team are Colombian midfielder Romel Morales, Thai defender Naruphon Wild Putsorn, wingers Ahmad Syamim Yahya and Nurridzuan Abu Hassan, defenders Aizulridzwan Razali, Annas Rahmat, Khair Jones, midfielders Mohd Ferris Danial Mat Nasir, Curran Ferns and Khairul Anwar Shahrudin and goalkeeper Norazlan Razali.