Sunil to use England experience to help PJ City this season

PETALING JAYA: Petaling Jaya City winger Sunil Chandran (pic) is banking on his experience in England to put him in good stead in the Super League this season.

Before joining the Phoenix, the 21-year-old had played for Loughborough University for three years. Sunil said the standard of the game was different in the United Kingdom.

“I left for the UK fairly confident but I was surprised with the quality there, ” said Sunil, who will complete his final year Sports Science and Management degree via online in June. The national Under-19 player went there in 2018 with the credential of winning the Youth Cup and having played for PKNS Under-21 regularly.

“I knew it would be a challenge but I underestimated their standard. In my first year at the university, I was only selected to play in the fourth team, ” he said.

“Thankfully, I was able to work my way up while I was there.

“The style of play is different. It’s more physical and took me some time to cope. I put in the hours in the gym and learnt to consume nutritious meals. The university league was very competitive and I was lucky to get a quite a lot of playing time in my second year.”

Sunil said the journey was an eye-opener and he hoped to translate his experience with a good show for PJ City under the guidance of coach P. Maniam.

“I would not have grown as much as I did if I had stayed in Malaysia. The system there allowed me to develop as a footballer on and off the pitch, ” he said.

“I’m physically stronger and my pace is faster, and I hope to use it to my advantage during the game.

“There are a good mix of some very experienced senior and talented young players in PJ City. I’m learning so much from the seasoned campaigners. I will continue to work hard to fight for my place in the team. I guess, the starting spots will come down to current form and fitness.”