PETALING JAYA: Flood has hit Terengganu fullback Alif Zakaria’s house but he is not letting it affect his game.
In fact, Alif has been a standout player in the Turtles’ transformed play under coach Badrul Afzan Razali, where they have enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions
The 26-year-old remained cool although his house did not escape the wrath of nature in east coast.
“Yes, flood water entered my house in Kampung Manir but it was not too high and my family had been able to manage it. My loved ones are with my in-laws, so they are safe,” said Alif.
“The situation is not as bad as others at their homes. It is manageable.
Though right-footed, the 26-year-old from Kuala Terengganu had produced top performances as a leftback.
Alif scored a superb volley in Terengganu’s 4-1 win over Melaka in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg game and in their last Super League match, he scored a superbly curled goal from 20 metres to help his side beat Kelantan 2-1.
The nippy player said the team had regained their footing after struggling in the first four games under Badrul. They had lost two and drew two games in the Super League before the good run.
“We are getting better every day and the chemistry is strong as well, but as footballers, we can never be too comfortable,” said Alif.
“We are working hard on the training ground to ensure we get stronger in the remainder of the matches. We still have the Super League, Malaysia Cup and also the AFF Club Championships, which resumes on Jan 22 next year.
“It is nice to score goals and we are focusing on getting results for the club.”
In the Super League, Terengganu lost 0-1 to Kedah (Oct 19), drew 2-2 against Perak (Oct 26), beat Penang 1-0 (Nov 1), beat Kelantan 2-1 (Dec 4). In the Malaysia Cup, they beat Melaka 4-0 in the first leg before being held 0-0 in the second.
Their next game is against Negri Sembilan in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals first-leg tie at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.
