PETALING JAYA: Cut to the chase and win the race.
That will be the motto of Pahang defenders, especially leftback Syazwan Andik who has been tasked with stopping Sabah’s attackers in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup semi-final match at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu today.
The Rhinos are blessed with speedy and hardworking wingers, with one of them being the crowd favourite – Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani. He will be the man to watch, especially since he has played for Pahang in the past.
The 26-year-old got his first taste of overseas football when he featured for the Elephants in the 2019 season before returning to Indonesia to play for Bhayangkara. Saddil then joined Sabah in 2021 and has been with them since.
The player from Sulawesi has been their key man, impressing with his dazzling displays on the flank and venomous left foot.
Syazwan is aware of Saddil’s strengths and does not need more information about the charismatic and nippy flanker.
“Who does not know Saddil and his abilities? He has been with Sabah for five years now and I’ve faced him many times. I always look forward to battles with him,” said the 28-year-old Syazwan, who joined Pahang in 2023.
“But this time, it will be extra special because it is the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup. My task is to mark him.
“We have seen his quality over the years, whether it is his dribbling, movement, shots and set-piece abilities.
‘‘We will be mindful of him but we will also focus on the others.
“Sabah have so many other top-quality individuals. I see this semi-final as a balanced match. We’ve 180 minutes to end our 11-year wait to play in the Malaysia Cup final.”
Pahang last qualified for the final in 2014 when they beat Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 5-3 in a penalty shootout after both sides drew 2-2 after regulation and extra time.
They also last qualified for the semis in 2019, where they held Kedah 8-8 on aggregate but bowed out due to away goals.
For Syazwan, he also has a personal mission as he wants to do well to impress the national team coaches.
In the Super League, he has played 10 games, making two assists and has featured in all four games in the Malaysia Cup.
Syazwan last played for Harimau Malaya in 2019 and wants to end that wait.
“Six years is a long wait. I really want to be part of the set-up again and I know I have to be at my best with Pahang in the upcoming fixtures,” said the player who has won 18 caps.
