Kipre and Sherman call for patience as they try to gel with Ataya

Goal-hungry: Tchetche Kipre emerged top scorer for Kedah with seven goals in 11 matches last season.

PETALING JAYA: Kedah’s attacking trident of Kpah Sherman, Tchetche Kipre and Rabih Ataya is a work in progress but have already showed glimpses of their effectiveness.

Coach Aidil Sharin, however, would want them to strike it right when they take on highly disciplined Petaling Jaya City at home today.

But Kipre has asked for a little bit more time to showcase their abilities.

“Ataya is a good player but he has just joined us. We are still trying to understand each other, ” said the 33-year-old Kipre.

“With Sherman, not much of a problem as we have been playing since last season. I’m confident we will gel with Ataya because top players like him help us in attacking situations because they are smart enough to open space for the strikers.

“Overall we are improving as a team although we started on the wrong foot losing to JDT but a lot has changed in our last two matches.”

Kedah, who finished second last season, bounced back to beat Sabah 2-0 and then drew with newly promoted Penang 1-1.

Kipre is not surprised that PJ City are currently third in the standings with one win and two draws.

“Even without any foreign imports, they work hard and play as a unit and it’s not easy to get past them as they have only conceded two goals in three matches.

“A difficult match for us. We must make our chances count if we want to move up the standings.

“We are now fifth and we must not drop points at home if we want to fight for honours.”

Last season, Kipre emerged as the top scorer for the Red Eagles with seven goals in 11 matches while his strike partner, Sherman, scored six.