PETALING JAYA: Pahang centreback Nicholas Swirad will put his “bromance” with Terengganu’s Kpah Sherman aside when their teams collide in an east coast battle at the Darul Makmur Stadium today.
The 31-year-old Englishman recalls the days when he and the Liberian hitman were roommates during their time at PKNS.
“We go back a long way and Sherman has really evolved into a quality striker. I’m proud, as a friend, to see him reach the level he’s at today,” said Swirad.
“But now, we both have a job to do for our teams. He will be out to score goals and I’ll be out to stop him.
“At the same time, I won’t get too engrossed in a physical battle with Sherman as Terengganu also have other dangerous players we can’t take our eyes off.”
Swirad, a former Selangor and Melaka player, has made 14 starts in the Super League this season and was even captain in several of them.
He is excited to play under coach Dollah Salleh and technical adviser Fandi Ahmad, and the Elephants have been unbeaten in their last five league games, winning four of them.
“Dollah and Fandi have a simple philosophy where they want the players to enjoy the game and play with some freedom. That approach has worked well so far,” added Swirad.
Pahang are fifth in the league with 21 points, just two points behind Terengganu, who are fourth.
