Riding high: Jovan Motika has turned out to be an asset for Negri Sembilan in the Super League.
PETALING JAYA: Bosnian winger Jovan Motika is suddenly a man in demand and for good reason.
The Negri Sembilan player has been in fine form this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in just 15 domestic matches, a return that has already almost matched his output from the entire previous campaign.
Last year, while turning out for Kuala Lumpur, Motika netted six goals and delivered four assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.
His recent purple patch has naturally attracted interest, with Super League heavyweights Selangor as well as several top-flight clubs in Indonesia and Thailand reportedly keeping tabs on the 27-year-old.
However, Motika has made it clear he is happy to stay put with Negri.
“When I came to Negri, I was welcomed into a familiar atmosphere. The coaches, players and people here believed in me and supported me,” said Motika.
“After a year adapting in KL, I think I made a good move by joining Negri. I prefer a quiet life, and I found it here. I’m glad I proved to myself that it was the right decision.”
Motika, who previously featured for Bosnian top-flight clubs Radnik Bijeljina and NK Bjelovar, has been a key figure in Negri’s improved campaign.
Negri are currently sixth in the Super League with 17 points from 12 matches, already surpassing last season’s tally, when they finished 12th with just 16 points from 24 games.
“This is a club where everyone knows their role, from the senior coaches to the young players who are eager to improve,” he said.
“I fit into that environment, and I’ve continued to progress a lot this year.”
Despite his eye-catching numbers, Motika insists he has never been one to obsess over statistics.
“I always tell myself to enjoy football and do what I do best, and everything else will come,” he said.
Still, the winger admitted there is room for improvement.
“We try to be better in every game because this is a young team that need time and hard work,” he added.
“Inconsistency is normal for a young side with new coaches and players. Compared to last season, this is a different club.”
