Fearless Farid believes his time with Perak is... now

PETALING JAYA: For a young player, taking on seasoned stalwarts like Mohd Shukor Adan, Nik Shahrul Azim and Fandi Othman can be intimidating.

But not for Perak’s 22-year-old Farid Khazali (pic).

The fleet-footed winger showed great poise and wizardry when he came on for J. Partiban. He ended up as the match-winner, scoring a goal and winning a penalty to see his side sink Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.

As far as Farid is concerned, it was just a taste of things to come from the Ipoh lad.

“Coach (Mehmet Durakovic) always tells me to fight and never give up. Whether it is on the training pitch or match day. He is always motivating me to give my best, ” said Farid.

“When I moved from the President Cup side to the first team, the transition was not difficult. The only difference was knowing what hard work was. Before the emphasis was in training but now in the first team, players do extra workouts, and I learnt from them.

“All the players in Perak are well-known but not once have they treated me differently. They are not selfish with their knowledge and I’m a better player thanks to them. I want to be like them one day.

“Also, there is no segregation between seniors and juniors. We have breakfast together, and there is no ego among us. We are family.”

Farid has been used as a super-sub in the Super League and has made two appearances. However, based on his performance against Kuala Lumpur, he could be getting more playing time when the league resumes on Aug 26.

It may be tough dethroning Partiban and Careca but he believes now is the time for him to strut his stuff and slowly build his footballing career.

Asked which players he adores locally and internationally, he named Brazilian Neymar and Partiban.

“Neymar is skilful and dangerous with the ball, while Partiban is fast and dribbles well too. I try to shape my game on these two players.

“I know I’m just getting started but I hope to wear the Harimau Malaya jersey one day. Also, I just want to make my parents proud.”

Perak are currently second in the 12-team Super League standings with eight points after four matches and are one of two unbeaten teams in the league, besides leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim who have 10 points.