PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan centreback Herold Goulon (pic) could hold the key to the Deer finishing the Super League season with a spot in the AFC Cup.
K. Devan’s men face Goulon’s former team Pahang in their last league game today at the Darul Makmur Stadium.
A win should put them in the top three and thus, qualify for the AFC Cup.
The clash with the Elephants will be an intriguing one for Frenchman Goulon, who featured for them in the last two seasons.
On the one hand, he’s catching up with a bunch of old mates and a coach, Dollah Salleh, whom he’s all too familiar with.
On the other, he has to use that familiarity to his full advantage and help Negri win at all costs for the AFC Cup ticket.
“It’s always nice for me to meet up with old teammates and friends. I’m very close to most of them, they are top guys. But they won’t be friends with me for 90 minutes as we all have a match to win.
‘‘When that is over, we can all have a drink all together,’’ said the 34-year-old Goulon.
Negri are now fourth with 41 points after 21 games while struggling Pahang lie eighth with 25 points.
Goulon has been one of Negri’s brightest stars, impressing in all the 18 games he has played. He is also the highest-scoring defender in the league with six goals.
He said that with the commitment and discipline shown by the Negri players, they can get the three points tonight and finish in the top three.
‘’We have a big chance of achieving our aim. Terengganu are playing in Kedah and Sabah in Johor. Those are tough away games and we must take advantage of the situation.’’
