PETALING JAYA: Selangor do not have a good record against Kelantan.
Coach K. Devan said his Red Giants failed to beat Kelantan in the four matches they played last year.
“We drew three and lost one. Kelantan have a psychological edge over us,” said Devan ahead of the Malaysian Super League (MSL) season-opener Charity Shield match at the Shah Alam Stadium today (8.45pm).
He said Selangor had always found it hard to play against Kelantan.
“We find it difficult playing against them in any tournament. They have a strong fan base and should be the team to watch again after their Malaysia Cup success last season,” said Devan.
But Kelantan will be hard-pressed to open their campaign with a bang following the departure of several seasoned players, including Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Mohd Norfarhan Mohd, Mohd Azizi Mat Rose, Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Hairuddin Omar.
Kelantan team manager Azman Ibrahim said a few of his players were also down with injuries, especially striker S. Chanturu and defender S. Subramaniam.
Hotshot Norsharul Idlan Talaha is also nursing a knee injury and looks a doubtful starter.
“Norsharul will be travelling with the team and I hope that he will be ready for the Charity Shield game,” said Azman.
Kelantan are also set to unleash new signings Mohd Khalid Jamlus, Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, K. Soley and Nurul Azwan Roya tonight.
Selangor too have a few casualties and are likely to miss both their centrebacks – Mohd Nasriq Baharom and Khairul Anuar Baharum.
Devan, however, is cool as he has faith in replacements Razman Roslan, P. Gunalan and new signing Yosri Dermaraju.
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