PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan have been further depleted after their Gabonese midfielder Levi Madinda left the club for Indonesian side Persib Bandung.
The Deer were dealt a blow when Singaporean international Safuwan Baharuddin left the team to join Selangor and now with Madinda moving on, the club only have two foreigners – French centreback Herold Goulon and Brazilian striker Casagrande.
But goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman said this is the best chance for some of the club’s youngsters to prove their worth and show they have what it takes to play in the Super League.
Izhan, who is on loan from Selangor, said the departures of the imports, coupled with injuries to key men like striker Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi and Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak, have an impact on the team.
“Right now, among all the clubs in the league, we are the ones who are powered by mostly locals. The results we are getting, despite the absences, is progress,” said the 21-year-old.
“We have to believe in the locals that we have and also understand that the club don’t have big funds. Despite the challenges, our spirits remain high.
“Plus, it’s also a chance for the youngsters to show that they have the capability to replace the key men. For me, what’s wrong with using young local players? It’s good.”
Negri are ninth in the Super League with 20 points from 17 matches.
Izhan has been a standout for the club this season. Despite his young age, he has shown composure and agility by making lots of super saves.
And he has been selected by national coach Kim Pan-gon for two camps this year, acting as a third-choice goalkeeper.
“Since joining Negri, I’ve improved a lot under the guidance of the coaches. They have helped me a lot in the game and I want to continue growing.
“In the national team, I am learning from the seniors like Syihan (Ahmad Syihan Hazmi), who is always giving inputs.
“We compete healthily but I know I am not at my peak yet. I can’t challenge Syihan’s position in the national team.”
