Perak counting on Afolabi to step up in Shivan’s absence

Raring to go: Perak’s Sunday Afolabi (right) will be making his return in the Super League match against Kuala Lumpur. — Perak FC

PETALING JAYA: Perak will not have key defender A. Shivan Pillay for the game against Kuala Lumpur but it’s not a problem.

Coach Yusri Che Lah is set to bank on Nigerian midfielder Sunday Afolabi to make up for Shivan’s absence in the Super League match at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh today in a bid to move out from the bottom position in the league.

Perak are ranked 11th in the league with 16 points from 20 games and are hoping a win against the City Boys will help put some pressure on 10th-placed Penang.

But it won’t be an easy game as Kuala Lumpur are known for their tactical organisation and it will be hard to contain players like Paulo Josue.

“We will lose Shivan, who is suspended. His place will be filled by someone else, who we are still identifying. But whoever it is, he has to fight and give all out in Ipoh.

“If Paulo Josue is playing, Sunday Afolabi has to be there.”

Shivan has been suspended after collecting three yellow cards while Afolabi is making a return to the team.

“Kuala Lumpur are a team full of surprises. They are good in the league as they have dependable seniors in the team. That’s why it is tough facing them,” he said.

“We just have to be consistent in the game, get full points here and get out of the bottom zone. The players know their responsibilities. We have five more games and need maximum points. We want to repay the faith shown by the fans.”

The return of Kuala Lumpur midfielder D. Kenny Pallraj to familiar ground is also expected to add strength in Perak.

He had played for Perak from 2015 to 2021.

“Perak have shocked some stellar sides in Malaysia. We want to continue our winning momentum and also help coach get his second win,” said the 31-year-old.