Welcome aboard: V. Ruventhiran (back, left) with his new teammates in Taguig.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian footballer V. Ruventhiran has taken the bold step of moving overseas for the first time in his career, joining Aguilas-UMak in the Philippines Football League (PFL).
For him, the move to the club in Taguig is a chance to grow.
“I wanted a new environment, a new challenge, and new exposure. It will help me learn a lot and mature,” said Ruventhiran.
“The coach (Jorg Steinebrunner) convinced me to join. They play good football and adapt with different formations.”
He has already played for the club in friendly matches at the University of Makati Stadium.
“Their game is aggressive and intense. They also have league clubs competing in the continental stages.”
Ruventhiran, who will turn 24 on Aug 24, has previously played for Petaling Jaya City and Selangor in the Super League, earning nine caps for the national team since debuting in 2022.
Under the helm of German coach Steinebrunner, a familiar name in Malaysian football after past stints with Negri Sembilan and Kelantan, winger Ruventhiran hopes to help his new club do better than their sixth-place finish in the 10-team PFL last season.
“It’s a young management, and they are hungry to achieve big things.
“I loved their plan for the season,” said Ruventhiran, who sealed the deal through his agency Rookbook Sports.
“This is my first year coming out from Malaysia. I’m just looking forward to a nice and positive environment.
“They have showed a lot of belief in me and I’m happy to be one of the Malaysian players to play here,” he added.
Another Malaysian M. Alexander will also play in the PFL with the Mendiola club.
