PETALING JAYA: The hard knocks are turning Kelantan winger Sean Selvaraj into a tough nut to crack.
The 29-year-old was constantly on the receiving end of heavy tackles in the Red Warriors’ FA Cup round-of-16 first-leg clash against Kuala Lumpur on Aug 18.
Some of the challenges were late, others clattered into him early, and a few left him wincing on the turf.
But each time, Sean picked himself up, kept going and was eventually rewarded with a goal in Kelantan’s 3-1 win in Kota Baru.
Now, that battle-hardened quality will drive him as Kelantan, led by coach E. Elavarasan, head into the second leg at the Cheras Football Stadium today.
“It was definitely tough for me in the first game. I had a few early tackles which could have been bad,” said Sean.
“But that’s football. I know what to expect again in Cheras, and I’ve played here enough times to be ready. Hopefully, I can use that experience and help Kelantan tomorrow night.”
For Sean, the bruises were not just part of the story – they were fuel. Scoring after being roughed up only sharpened his resolve and now, he insists Kelantan’s task is to approach the return leg with discipline and clarity.
“We are treating it like 0-0. We know how strong Kuala Lumpur are at home, so we mustn’t concede early.
“If they score first, it changes everything. We aim to keep it tight, and if we can get a goal, that will kill the game.”
Sean has been one of Kelantan’s most consistent performers since joining this season, often pushed into different attacking roles by Elavarasan.
“The coach knows my best qualities, and he just wants me to bring that out in every game.
“So I just listen, try to improve, and trust his plan. The first leg against KL was a good example of how it worked, and I want to carry that into the second.”
Although Kelantan entered the campaign with a new-look squad, Sean has found the transition smooth.
Having shared dressing rooms with several teammates in the past – including Ifedayo Olusegun in Selangor and Nor Azam Azih in Pahang – the familiarity has helped foster chemistry quickly.
“It’s not about what you’ve achieved before or where you played. It’s about working together now, for this club.
“The bond in this team is very good. Everyone is trying to gel, everyone wants to play, and that’s a very positive sign.”
