PETALING JAYA: Former national defender Mohd Fadhli Shas (pic) will be a hard man to get past as he dons Melaka colours for this Super League season.
At 31, he wants to remind the game’s observers that he’s still one of the best centrebacks in the country.
And Fadhli, who is on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), hopes to use his vast experience to help the Mousedeer achieve something this season.
“Melaka have brought in some quality players, which adds depth and increases the competition for first-team places. I intend to play my part well and make sure we’ll be solid at the back,” said Fadhli, who has earned 55 caps with Harimau Malaya.
He is expected to partner Filipino international Justin Baas in the middle of Melaka’s backline.
Fadhli, who was a member of Malaysia’s Suzuki Cup-winning side in 2010, also hopes to regain his old form with the side led by Bosnian coach Risto Vidakovic.
The Perak-born Fadhli joined JDT from the national Under-21 team in 2014 and contributed to the Southern Tigers winning the Super League eight times, Charity Shield (four), FA Cup (once), Malaysia Cup (twice) and AFC Cup (once).
He was a regular from 2014 to 2018, but since 2019 he was used more for feeder club JDT II.
Fadhli said those experiences have made him more mature and will help him become an asset with Melaka.
“I hope the Melaka fans will be with us and pray that we can achieve success in every competition that we’re taking part in,” added Fadhli, who also had a short stint with Slovakian club FC Zlate Moravce Vion in 2011.
