Shivan out to impress coach Maloney for AFF U-23 meet

PETALING JAYA: Centreback A. Shivan Pillay (pic) is delighted to be back with the national Under-23 team.

The 21-year-old was one of five players named by Brad Maloney on Wednesday to beef up the team for the AFF Under-23 championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from Feb 14-26.

“I’m coming back to the Under-23 set-up after two years, so I want to give my best and hopefully, be on the final list for the AFF meet,” said Shivan.

Shivan was in the team in 2019 but there was no call-up in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And last year, Maloney only chose the Under-19 players.

The youngster, who will play for Petaling Jaya City in the Super League, is relishing his time with his new teammates.

“We are just a few days into training, but the understanding has been good. We do everything together,” said Shivan, who believes the team have what it takes to reach the semi-finals.

“The squad have those who played in the qualifiers, some from the previous camps and a few new ones too. The best youngsters are here.

“Most of us are playing in the Super and Premier League. We are able to adapt quickly to various tactics.”

They will leave for Phnom Penh on Feb 12 and will begin their Group B campaign against Myanmar at the Prince Stadium on Feb 15. Their other matches are against Laos (Feb 18) and Indonesia (Feb 21).

Group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals on Feb 24.