Bust a move: Petrus Shitembi taking on Pahang’s David Rowley at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Kuala Terengganu. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: When there’s a good tune, it is only apt to put on your dancing shoes and show off your tantalising moves.
Petrus ‘the Dancing Shoes’ Shitembi is living up to his nickname as he leaves the oppositions dead on their feet much to the delight of the Terengganu fans.
And the 30-year-old midfielder is now becoming a creative fulcrum in coach Nafuzi Zain’s intricate possession football style of play.
In 2021, the Namibian international spent a good part of the year recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
As part of his comeback trail this season, he played two games for Terengganu II before moving up to the senior squad.
In his three matches in the Super League, he weaved his way to provide two assists while he was instrumental in creating the move that led to Terengganu’s only goal in their 1-0 FA Cup second round win over Kedah.
And now he has been labelled as the playmaker for the Turtles, but Shitembi believes he still has much to offer.
“Last year was difficult. It is not always the easiest to come back and assimilate into the game. Even in pre-season, there were some niggles, but now, I’m getting minutes and being at the team’s disposal.
“But I am still not who I want to be. As a footballer, we all know our bodies. We know when we are in peak condition. My conditioning is improving but I will know when it feels right. I still have some work to do,” added the former Sabah player.
“As for being the main creative architect, it is nice to have this role placed on me. But it is only possible when the team have quality.
“Collectively, we are doing good and that is important.”
Terengganu will face Kedah again and hope to keep up their winning ways at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in a Super League league match on July 15.
“My personal objective is to be injury-free, play lots of games and have fun. I do not want to put a lot of pressure on myself. When I am free of it, my game will flow.
“Hopefully this season we can compete for something, whether it’s the FA or Malaysia Cup. I also want to help Terengganu finish in a good position in the league.”
In the FA Cup, Terengganu will host Premier League side Kuching City in the quarter-finals on July 23. In the league, they are currently fifth with 13 points from eight matches.
