PETALING JAYA: They may still be regarded as “students” of the game, but UM-Damansara will adopt a nothing-to-lose mentality when they take on Super League heavyweights Terengganu in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup last-16 tie at the University Malaya (UM) Arena.
Despite the gulf in professional status, centreback A. Shivan Pillay believes the A1 Semi-Pro League side are ready to spring a surprise through tactical discipline and grit.
Shivan acknowledged the steep challenge ahead but said the squad are driven more by excitement than expectation.
“Our preparation has been solid,” said Shivan.
“A lot of our boys have not played in the Malaysia Cup before, so this is exciting for them.
“While Terengganu are a difficult opponent, we showed against JDT in the FA Cup that we can give the top teams a real fight.
“We know we have to be even better this time.”
Shivan highlighted Terengganu’s attacking threats, specifically naming Malaysian international Akhyar Rashid and Tajikistan players Ehson Panjshanbe and Shervoni Mabatshoev – as players to watch.
“We have to be disciplined. Against Super League teams, you can’t give them half a chance because they will punish you. Our priority is to defend properly and not concede early.
“If we can stay solid at the back, we can rely on our counter-attacks to create chances. We want to show that A1 clubs can compete at this level.”
Shivan’s best outing in the Malaysia Cup was in 2023, when he was part of the Perak team that went all the way to the semi-final.
Meanwhile, coach Ridzuan Abu Shah has urged his players to use the match as a platform to showcase their abilities to the nation.
“We are the underdogs, and that gives us mileage,” Ridzuan explained.
“The players want to prove they belong on the same pitch as a Super League team.”
Tactically, Ridzuan hinted at a flexible approach. While the team typically employs a 4-1-4-1 formation in the semi-pro league, they are expected to revert to the 5-4-1 system used to frustrate JDT.
“High discipline in both attack and defence is mandatory. I’ve implemented specific drills to ensure every player understands their individual and group duties against a side of Terengganu’s quality,” he added.
