Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi (right) in action against Penang during a friendly match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi. - Photo by Negeri Sembilan FC
PETALING JAYA: After two years of lull and pain, striker Shahrel Fikri Mohd Fauzi is looking to bounce back with Negri Sembilan in the Super League this season.
The 28-year-old joins the Deer from Selangor and has started pre-season training under coach K. Devan.
Despite Negri’s 1-2 defeat against Penang in their first pre-season match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, the player fondly known as Eky scored Negri’s goal and impressed in his role as striker.
Shahrel, who has also played for Perak and PKNP, is aiming to earn Devan’s trust in making sure he gets regular minutes so that he can keep on scoring goals and help Negri do well.
“The reason why I moved to Negri is that I needed a new challenge and impetus in my career. The last two years have been tough due to injuries, but I learnt a lot in terms of resilience and patience,” said Shahrel.
“I also hope to get back into the national team. I want to add to my 14 caps and add depth to our striking department.
“Now that I’m free from injuries, I vow only to give my best. If I can get back my old form, especially during my days with PKNP and Perak, that would be great,” added Shahrel.
“Most important of all, that form must help Negri do well.”
In 2020, Shahrel became one of the country’s much talked-about players when he top scored for Perak. He netted 10 goals in 11 matches in the Super League, and the year before, he scored four goals in two games for Harimau Malaya.
That earned him a move to Selangor in 2021, but since joining the Red Giants, he has not been able to reach the heights of 2020 due to injuries and poor form.
Last year, he played 19 games in all competitions, only starting in three of them and scoring just one goal.
