Sime Darby Players Spooked With Transfer Threat

15 Mac, 2015

PETALING JAYA: A warning that they had better start performing or be shown the exit in the April transfer window seems to have worked for Sime Darby.

The Super League basement side gave one of their grittier performances to hold star-studded Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to a 1-1 draw at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday.

It was their first-ever point after five outings.

Sime Darby even led against the much-vaunted JDT, thanks to substitute Muhammad Nazrul Kamarulzaman’s 35th minute goal. Junior Eldstal saved JDT the blushes with a 60th-minute equaliser.

The clubside may still be rooted to the bottom of the 12-team standings, but coach Ismail Zakaria is a proud man, nonetheless.

He sees it as a massive boost to their morale ahead of the FA Cup third-round clash against Police at the Selayang Stadium on Tuesday.

“They fought hard although JDT controlled the match. We could have won it, but I’ll take the point ... finally, we’ve broken the duck,” said Ismail.

“I had warned the players that they’d be shown the door in the April transfer window if they don’t step up their game ... I think the ultimatum worked.

“If the players continue to play this way, I’m confident we can climb up the standings.

“We’ll now try to bring this performance to our Cup match against Police.”

Ismail was also full of praise for 21-year-old Nazrul, who came on for the injured Mohd Firdaus Azizul in the 31st minute.

“Nazrul put up a brave performance against JDT. He was not overawed despite playing against a top team and took his chances well for the goal.”

Original source - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my