Boost for City boys: Partiban has played 10 matches and scored twice this season. — KLFC
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur winger J. Partiban is feeling the wind beneath his wings again.
The 29-year-old has recovered from a niggling groin injury which had sidelined him since June 18.
He returned to action on Aug 24, where he played the last 10 minutes of the City Boys’ 5-2 win over Indonesia’s PSM Makassar in the AFC Cup Asean zone final at the Cheras Football Stadium.
Partiban’s comeback drew loud cheers from the fans, and he entertained them with his exciting overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses.
Last Thursday, he played for 45 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Sabah in the Super League.
The longer minutes have left him hopeful of a starting role when KL take on Indian Super League club ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup Interzone playoff semi-final at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India, on Wednesday.
Partiban said it was an amazing feeling to be back after what was a painful time away.
‘’I had to put my heart and soul into rehabilitation and recovery. Injuries are part and parcel of the game. As professionals, we’ve to bear with it,” he said.
“When I returned and came on as a substitute against Makassar, it was the best feeling in the world. Smelling the grass, taking on wingbacks and creating chances ... I missed that so much.
“I hope my 55 minutes of game time in the last two games will help me be a starter against Mohun Bagan.”
Partiban has played 10 matches this season, scoring twice and providing two assists.
His return will be a boost for KL on the flanks, with more quality crosses coming in for the strikers.
