Malaysia's Akram Mahinan during the training session as preparation before against Jordan at Sime Darby Football Club’s (SDFC) training ground in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam on Wednesday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. August 28, 2019.
PETALING JAYA: It is all-or-nothing for Terengganu in their bid to finish third in the Super League.
The east coast club, currently fifth with 32 points from 21 matches, are battling Borneo sides Kuching City and Sabah for the coveted third and fourth spot, which offers places in the Asean Club Championship next season.
The Cats are third with 36 points from 22 games while Sabah are lying fourth with 36 points from 21 games.
Midfielder Akram Mahinan (pic) has urged his teammates to win their last three league games if they want to finish as high as third.
The Turtles will take on Selangor at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on April 5, Police at the Selayang Stadium on April 17 and return to Gong Badak on April 26 to take on Kedah.
Akram, who is among the senior players in the team at the age of 32, said he has been chatting with everyone in the team including the youngsters to be mentally prepared for the challenge.
“No excuses anymore if we want a top-three finish,” said Akram, who is a ball-winning midfielder for the team.
“We have to collect a maximum of nine points for a chance to finish third or the worst, fourth. I want these men in my team to be mentally strong.
“We have a chance to finish third and hope the two teams above us drop points. But we have to focus on our game first, and that is ensuring our performances lead to wins.”
Akram, who is in his first season with Terengganu, has played 26 games in all competitions for them, proving to be a reliable workhorse in midfield for the club coached by Badrul Afzan Razali.
He hailed Terengganu’s decision to play an all-local backline throughout the season.
“The fact we sustained the season with all locals at the back without foreign players’ guidance says a lot. These men are young but they have shown lots of bravery to take on attackers, especially the top-performing imports,” said Akram.
Some of the top talents in defence for Terengganu are centrebacks Safwan Mazlan, Shahrul Nizam Ros Hasni, and fullbacks Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili and Azam Azmi Murad. Out of the four, Azam, Safwan and Ubaidullah are under the age of 23.
“As a defensive midfielder, I enjoy playing alongside these men. They make my work easier thanks to their quality as defenders.
“I would say my first year with Terengganu has been good despite the problems that happened with the club, especially with the coaching change, departure of some foreign players and injuries.
“The fact we are fighting for top four with only five imports whereas other clubs have full quota, says a lot.
“I’m proud of what we have done but it is not over yet. Let’s go for third.”
