Tough luck: Akram Mahinan has been beset with fitness and hamstring issues throughout the season. — Kuala Lumpur FC
PETALING JAYA: Akram Mahinan is known for his never-say-die attitude when it comes to his work rate and minutes on the field.
The Kuala Lumpur player known as the “Duracell Bunny”’ of the team has been a workhorse in the middle of the park, proving to be a vital cog for them since 2020.
But this season, he has been hampered by injuries.
Akram, who regularly plays 30 games a season, has only managed 19 matches this year, of which he started eight in all competitions.
The 30-year-old has been beset with fitness and hamstring issues throughout the season, scuppering his progress with the City Boys.
But he believes that the tough period has taught him a lot of lessons.
“Injuries are tough. Time away from the pitch can be a bummer but it has made me understand my body more,” said Akram.
“I am going to be over 30 now, so I have to be mindful of my body. I have to focus well on recovery but maintain my fitness ... I want to continue being the player I was in the middle of the park.
“I want to be the workhorse. We have two more games left before the season ends.”
Akram hopes to help Kuala Lumpur get a top-six finish in the Super League and the quest starts with a match against Kuching City at the City Stadium in Kuching tomorrow.
The Malaysian international knows a win will close the gap with sixth-placed Terengganu who have 37 points.
KL, led by Croatian coach Nenad Bacina, are seventh with 34 points.
“The preparation for the game against Kuching has been going well. We need to focus on beating them and then Pahang on Dec 15.
“We will not have players like Romel (Morales) and Tchetche Kipre but I still believe in the other players to produce a good result.”
Their last game of the season will be against Pahang at the Cheras Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 16.
