Pahang Wants To Move Up The League Fast

31 Mac, 2015

Zainal Abidin (centre) giving instructions to his players during a training
session recently. - Bernama

PETALING JAYA: The Elephants plan to clean up their act in the Super League.

Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan feels it’s time they improved on their current standing of 10th in the 12-team league.

“We’re at a very critical stage ... although still early in the season (after playing just five matches). Our aim is to move up the standings. It’s definitely not the right position for this Pahang team,” said a concerned Zainal.

Pahang have endured a poor start to the season – with only one win in five matches.

They have five points from a win, two draws and two defeats and are just above Armed Forces (four points) and basement side Sime Darby FC (one).

Zainal said April will be an important month for the Elephants as they fight on three fronts – Super League, FA Cup and AFC Cup.

“It’s going to be a challenging month. This month (April) will determine our ticket to the FA Cup semi-finals and our qualification to the knockout stage of the AFC Cup. It’ll be a test of character for my team,” said the former international.

Pahang will resume their Super League campaign against Lions XII in Kuantan on Saturday. This will be followed by two tough away assignments – against Kelantan (April 11) and league leaders Felda United (April 25).

In the FA Cup, Pahang will host Premier League side Penang in the first-leg of the quarter-finals on April 7 before travelling for the return leg at the City Stadium on April 22.

The two important matches in the AFC Cup competition are against South China FC of Hong Kong (away) on April 15 and Yadanarbon FC of Myanmar (home) on April 29.

Sumber - Eric Samuel, Star Online www.thestar.com.my