Another win proves Police are on track for best league finish

Big role: James Okwuosa (left) has been the main man for Police this season, thanks to his leadership in defence. — PDRM FC

PETALING JAYA: No one feared the Police before the start of the Super League but all that has changed now.

Police are pushing for a top finish, possibly even going as high as sixth if their recent stunning win against Penang is of any indication.

On Sunday, they humbled the much-established northern side 3-0 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium to stay seventh with 27 points from 19 games.

The game began with an own goal from Ousmane Fane in the 36th minute before they ended in style with Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa scoring in the 74th and substitute Japanese Bruno Suzuki striking it right in the 94th.

Police are just six points behind sixth-placed Kuala Lumpur, who have played 21 matches in the league so far.

Okwuosa has been the main man for Police this season, thanks to his leadership in defence.

Physically standing strong and tall at 1.91m, the former Orlando Pirates player has made heads turn with his aggressive challenges, interceptions and clever reading of the game.

He shone against Penang and wants to show that the Police have what it takes to stay and do better in the Super League.

“I’m so grateful to God for the goal and a clean sheet. The team struggled a bit in the first half but returning stronger in second half. We lost to Penang (2-4 on April 9) but we knew what we had to right this time,” said the 32-year-old, who played for Nigeria three times in the international stage.

“So we had to push them back and we got the result.

“Our defensive line-up stepped up and were more disciplined.

“We want to be role model team for others.

Okwuosa, who is playing for the first time in Malaysia, is happy to stay injury-free.

“The league is challenging and quite physical but fortunately, there are no injuries,” he said.

“We know how difficult it is to overtake the big teams but we will try to finish as high as we can.”

“Right from the start, nobody gave us a chance but today Police have proven that hard work beats talent.”