# The Elephants want to regain their past glory
Pahang left for Thailand on Wednesday before coach Dollah Salleh decides on his probables for the East Coast states Super League campaign in the new season which kicks-off next month.
The Elephants are without three of their key players for the three-match playing tour – captain Matthew Davies (defender), R. Kogileswaran (striker) and Nor Azam Abdul Azih (midfielder) – who are with the national Under-23 team in China for the AFC Championships.
“Nothing has been finalised for now. Those who will feature in my team will have to perform in the three friendlies in Thailand. I have three of my players with the national Under-23 team in China,” said head coach Dollah Salleh before leaving with the team for Bangkok.
The movement of players saw Pahang signing up former internationals Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Bunyamin Umar, Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin and Cambodian international Chan Vathanaka.
Pahang are seeking the glory days again after finishing runners-up to Kedah in the FA Cup and second in the Super League to Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) who clinched their fourth successive title with 49 points – nine more than Pahang – last year.In 2014 Pahang clinched a double by winning the Malaysia Cup and the FA Cup – the same year the Elephants also won the Charity Shield.
Football nomad Norshahrul, 31, who hails from Terengganu, played for Felda United last season while utility man Safuwan is at ease in defence, midfield and upfront and donned Police colours the last two seasons.
Mat Yo, as Norshahrul is popularly known, comes with a wealth of experience in the M-League, having featured for several teams, including JDT, Kelantan and Terengganu previously.
Pahang have retained Gambian hitman Mohamadou Sumareh and Nigerian defender Obi Vincent Iyka and naturalised Kiko Insa. Also in the team Serbian Ljuba Baranin who plays as a centreback, rightback and defensive midfielder.
The Elephants will also compete in a quadrangular in Kuala Terengganu which will features Terengganu FC I, Terengganbu FC II, Malacca United and Pahang on their return from Thailand.BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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