Super League club PKNS FC will face Perak in their opening Group B match in the Malaysia Cup match with bad news – without their ace in the pack Safee Sali who is out for the next three months with a fractured left collar bone.
He sustained the injury while attempting a bicycle kick in the Selangor club’s 1-1 draw against Melaka United in a Super League match at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday. The national striker scored for PKNS from the penalty spot for a share of the spoils against Melaka United.
The draw left, both PKNS and Melaka, in the relegation zone but PKNS head coach E. Elavarasan remains cool and believes that his team will remain in the elite Super League – even without Safee who has scored four goals for the team and has been an inspiration to the team.
“It was an unfortunate self-inflicted incident that saw Safee land heavily and awkwardly when he tried a bicycle kick. This is all part and parcel of the game,” said Elavarasan, who is bracing for a tough match against Perak in Ipoh in the Malaysia Cup after their morale boosting 3-2 win over FA Cup champions Kedah in Alor Setar in a league match.
“Of course Perak will start as favourites and they have signed up some good names during the second transfer window. However, this is the Malaysia Cup…which never fails to produce upsets.”
In the same breath Elavarasan, despite the poor run in the league, has praised his players for their commitment and discipline on the field.
“All we need is a win to move up,” added Elavarasan.
For now he is focused on the Malaysia Cup and the battle against Perak. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
