PETALING JAYA: Penang skipper Azmi Muslim has advised his teammates and the management to beware of the pitfalls that await them in the Super League.
Penang have returned to the top flight in the Malaysian football after a sterling show in the recently concluded season.
The Panthers mauled the opposition in their run to the Covid-19 disrupted Premier League title and were already champions way before the league ended.
“Everyone knows the difference between the Super League and the Premier League... it’s challenging and more competitive, ” said Azmi.
“The management must know that we need more quality and options in the squad, so we need new players to strengthen the team.”
The veteran defender said the new season should be the start for Penang to roll back the time to become the force they used to be in past domestic competitions.
“I feel that we have the quality to be competitive in the Super League.
“We had a lot of friendly matches with Super League teams this season and I think the gap is not too far, ” said Azmi.
“We must not think we are in the league to make up the numbers.
The Islanders ruled the roost in their glory years between 1970 to 1990 but then their fortunes plummeted in 2010 when they fell to the third tier (FAM League) of the M-League.
They returned to the Premier League in 2013 and in 2016 when they won promotion to the Super League but were relegated to the Premier League in 2018.
Azmi, the rock in the Penang’s defence – conceding seven goals in 11 matches – said he still has plenty to offer to his home state although he will turn 35 next year.
“I will continue to play as long as I can run and the team still need my services... it’s all rezeki. I just aim to give my best on the pitch and I don’t know whether Penang will be my last team, ” said the former UPB-MyTeam player.
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