PETALING JAYA: Kpah Sherman was 25 when he first arrived in Malaysia to play for MISC-MIFA in the Malaysian Premier League in 2017.
Nine years on, the 34-year-old Liberian international is still going strong with Melaka in the Super League, and says experience has taught him to bring a more rounded game to his current side.
Sherman has played six matches for Melaka, scoring two goals and providing two assists in all competitions.
The numbers may be decent, but coach E. Elavarasan uses him as the focal point of the attack, and Sherman knows he cannot afford to stay in one spot upfront.
He uses his pace and mobility to roam across the attacking third, and his movement creates space for teammates to get goalscoring chances.
The forward admits age is the reason behind the tweak to his game.
“The older you get, the more mature you become, and that makes you change your game,” he said.
“I may be 34, but I still feel young. I can play 90 minutes every game, run lots of kilometres.
“It’s all about discipline. Not only on the field, but off it as well. How you manage your money and life, how you rest and sleep is important too.
“The more you take care of your body, the better you play. You also need good massage and recovery, don’t smoke and drink less.
“If you control and take care of your body, football can take you far. That would be my advice for young footballers.”
Sherman was a late addition by Melaka, signing on the transfer deadline day on Aug 31.
“In just two weeks, I played five matches. There was some worry, but I played 90 minutes every game and felt so good. And then I joined the Liberian national team during the September international window.”
He believes Melaka will only get better.
“In the past, teams used to say they can beat Melaka, but it won’t be the same now. When you play Melaka, it will be a challenge.
“We have a lot of great combinations now. The first 11 is rotated and yet we can fight. All of us in the squad are getting used to each other,” added Sherman, who hopes to help the team finish in the top six.
