We can do it: K. Gurusamy (right) believes the all local PJ City side players can still hold their own against the top teams in the M-League.
PETALING JAYA: For midfielder K. Gurusamy, familiarity does not breed contempt. And the veteran believes he will thrive under an all-local line-up with Petaling Jaya City next season.
He also has the wealth of experience to lead them to a creditable finish. Gurusamy featured for Harimau Muda in the Premier League from 2008 to 2011, and was also in the side that competed in the Slovakian and Australian leagues.
He sees the advantages of having a local cast at PJ City.
“Usually, in key positions such as centreback, winger, midfielder, playmaker or striker, the foreigners will dominate. Now, it’s time for the locals to show that they compete with the established foreigners, ” said the 31-year-old, who has also played for Selangor and Sarawak.
“When I was with Harimau Muda, we were an all-local side playing against much more formidable opponents. It was a challenge, but we were unfazed. Nothing was impossible at the time and with PJ City, there is a belief that we can do well.
“We should laud the PJ City management for making such a move. Our local players would only grow, and they are giving us the chance to show that we have the quality to compete against the best.”
While there is concern over PJ City’s quality as most of their top local talents have been snapped up by teams like Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Selangor, Terengganu, Kedah and Perak, Gurusamy insists the players can still hold their own against the top sides.
“We have new players like Khyril (Muhymeen Zambri), Beto (Ahmad Khairil Anuar), Darren (Lok), Praba (K. Prabakaran), Tamil (M. Tamil Maran) and Faiz (Mazlan) to give the team strength in depth.
“We still have quality, no doubt about that. Don’t forget, we have Kogi (R. Kogileswaran) who did well last season as a substitute. Thiven (K. Thivendran) is young and eager to show his real quality.
“P. Rajesh and Salamon Raj have been good too. We have good players in all positions, eager to prove that the club’s move is the right one. We all want to give our best. We must give more than 100 per cent to succeed.”
