Change of scenery: Akram Mahinan working on his short sprints during a training session at the beach.
PETALING JAYA: Akram Mahinan was touted to be the missing piece in Terengganu’s midfield when he joined them earlier this year from Kuala Lumpur.
But the 31-year-old defensive midfielder found it hard to get into the first XI under coach Tomislav Steinbruckner, who preferred to play Croatian Marin Pilj in his position.
After Steinbruckner left in October, Badrul Afzan Razali took over the coaching reins of the team and decided to make Akram his first-choice water carrier.
From just seven substitute appearances under Steinbruckner, Akram went on to make nine starts in all competitions under Badrul.
Akram justified the faith in him by helping the Turtles reach the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup. And in the Super League, they are fourth with 24 points in 15 games.
“I am grateful for the opportunity because the more starts I get, the more I can feel comfortable with the team. I want this to go on till the end of the season,” he said.
“My role is similar to my days in Kuala Lumpur, which is to play as a destroyer. I will help my defence by being a real workhorse in midfield and I also look to initiate attacks.
“I have no problems playing under coach Badrul’s tactics and what makes me so happy is the fact that I can discuss tactics and game planning openly with him.”
Akram has also been playing the ‘’elder brother’’ role as he can be seen guiding the Terengganu youngsters like rightback Azam Azmi Murad and centrebacks Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili and Safwan Mazlan during training and matches.
“These boys are talented but they need the time and space to play and express themselves. We already have some players playing for Malaysia and I believe more talents will come from Terengganu in the future.”
The other midfielders who have played alongside Akram are Uzbekistani midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov and Filipino midfielder Manuel Ott.
These three have been standouts for the club in recent weeks, especially during their seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions since Oct 26.
“We have no issues in terms of combinations because we are midfielders who focus on hard work and possession.
‘‘In matches and training, we have played our parts well and I am happy with Ott and Nurillo.
“We have a seven-game unbeaten run but what comes next will be even tougher, so I aim to help this team get good results and give everything I can on the field for the fans.”
Akram and Co will kickstart 2025 by taking on Myanmar club Shan United at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Jan 8.
