PETALING JAYA: Safuwan Baharuddin (pic) has made a triumphant return to Selangor after he helped them beat Penang 3-0 in the Super League at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Saturday.
The Singaporean international, who rejoined the Red Giants three days ago from Negri Sembilan, played the entire game as a centreback, showing no signs of awkwardness under coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s system.
The former Melbourne City player looked assured at the back with his aerial duels, passes and interceptions and could have even scored a goal but his header in the 50th minute hit the bar.
Selangor’s goals were scored by Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh (29th minute), Ghanaian striker Richmond Boakye (59th) and winger Faisal Halim (78th).
Their next match will be against Sabah
For Safuwan, helping the team keep a clean sheet on his first game since his return felt good.
“Alhamdulilah, it feels good. It was quite tough. We struggled a little in the first five to 10 minutes and towards the end but overall, we gave a good performance,” he said.
“We should continue this form to win and keep a clean sheet.”
Early this year, the 31-year-old left the Red Giants after his contract expired and towards the end of the first transfer window in February, he made the move to Negri Sembilan.
But last week, the Deer announced his departure while Selangor hailed his arrival for a second stint.
He played for three years with them from 2020 to 2022.
“It’s nice to be back. I’m excited to get a contract again after six months of leaving the team. The club are getting bigger and bigger every single day. The fans have been great and the turnout in Petaling Jaya is just like in Shah Alam.
“I felt like I didn’t leave the team. The six months away were a bit complicated. I had to make an important decision for myself
“I had offers from Thailand and Malaysia. I didn’t jump into making any decisions. I felt it was best to stay in Malaysia for the season.”
Selangor are second in the league with 37 points, 14 behind table toppers Johor Darul Ta’zim, who have 51.
Penang dropped to 10th in the league with 19 points.
