Huge relief: Paulo Josue is glad that the management is looking to solve the salary arrears. — Kuala Lumpur City FC
PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur led by captain Paulo Josue have received a timely boost ahead of their Super League game against Pahang at the Cheras Football Stadium today.
They can now play without any worries about their salaries.
Yesterday, the club’s board members announced that the players’ owed wages would be paid up. The management had a meeting on Thursday and cleared all misunderstandings.
And midfielder Josue was wearing a big smile. “It is good that they have all come together as one and gave their commitment to the players to pay the wages,” said Josue, who has been playing for the club since 2017.
“I just hope everything can be settled. We were told by the management on Thursday that they are processing the salary payments. We hope it can be done by this week. We must work together to try and get out of this situation. We, the players, just want to focus on football.
“We want this financial conversation to be handled by the management and not for the dressing room.”
There is an added incentive for Josue, who is a naturalised Brazilian, as he is just two goals away from breaking the club’s goal scoring record of 67 and the match against Pahang seems to be the perfect platform to do so.
The 35-year-old Josue, who has scored 66 goals, wants to help the club get a win.
“I’m quite close to the record. The plan is to break the record this season but for now, I just want to help the team win the game,” said Josue.
It will be a spectacular achievement if Josue can surpass the record, currently held by former Kuala Lumpur star Fandi Ahmad, who is now Pahang’s coach.
“If it does happen, I know it will be special. There won’t be the pressure to break the record any more.”
And to do it in front of Fandi will be nice too. He has been holding the record for 30 years now.
“We can take a nice photo together after the match. It would be nice but that is not something I am targeting.
“If it happens, it happens.”
KL are fifth in the league with seven points from four matches, while Pahang are 10th with four points from four games.
