Man on a mission: K. Sarkunan (left) hopes that, with his move to Negri Sembilan, he will have regular game time and it will increase his chances of being in demand for the 2023 season.
PETALING JAYA: K. Sarkunan is hopeful that a stellar outing with Negri Sembilan will raise his market value in the game.
The player, who is called “duracell bunny” for his high work rate, said he was in the final year of his contract with Selangor and the decision to move up to Paroi on loan was for game time.
He hopes that with regular game time, it will increase his chances of being in demand for the 2023 season.
“The more I play, the more eyes will be on me. That’s my aim in joining Negri Sembilan on loan. I want to show the quality I am known for, which is work rate and solid defence,” said the 25-year-old.
“Negri were Premier League champions last year, but they achieved that without any stars.
“So that shows that the club can churn out results with ordinary players. I see Negri as a ladder for me to go to the top.”
That’s not the only reason he joined the Deer. He revealed that the opportunity to work with coach K. Devan was something he couldn’t miss.
“He has coached many clubs and won many accolades. I believe he can give me the confidence to be a better player and rejuvenate my career. I did not join Negri to prove a point to Selangor. I am doing this for my own good. I just want to enjoy the game I have always loved.”
Sarkunan, who has been playing for Selangor since 2016, struggled to get a first-team place last season due to the presence of experienced midfielders like Safuwan Baharuddin and Manuel Konrad, and the emergence of youngster Aliff Haiqal Lau.
This season, the likes of Brendan Gan and Abdul Halim Saari are returning from injury, and the Red Giants have also signed Baha Abdelrahman to bolster the middle of the park.
So it’s no surprise to see Sarkunan leaving on loan with the hope of giving energetic performances to Negri.
