KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor FC head coach Nidzam Jamil has cautioned his side not to take Negeri Sembilan FC lightly ahead of their Malaysia Super League clash at the MBPJ Stadium tonight.
Both sides have clashed a total of 34 times since 2005, with Selangor having a higher winning percentage of 50% against Negeri Sembilan.
The last time the two sides met was during last season’s Super League campaign, where the Red Giants easily defeated the Jangs 4-0.
Selangor, currently ranked seventh in the Super League, began their campaign by defeating Kedah 1-0, courtesy of Aliff Haiqal’s goal last week.
Before their Super League opener, Selangor played a handful of friendlies and competed in the Selangor Asia Challenge, a pre-season tournament where they emerged as champions.
The club also withdrew from the Charity Shield against Johor Darul Ta’zim, resulting in a 3-0 win being awarded to JDT.
Speaking to Scoop, Nidzam said that his side needs to be aware of the threats that Negeri Sembilan possess through their attacking and defending prowess.
He further expressed hopes for his charges to maintain their discipline and momentum against the side under the tutelage of former Selangor player Azzmi Ab Aziz.
The 49-year-old Azzmi, who played for the Red Giants in the 90s, was chosen to replace K. Devan as Negeri Sembilan head coach after Devan’s contract expired in December last year.
“We cannot take Negeri Sembilan lightly as they have been showing character under the tutelage of coach Azzmi. They can defend well and they can also score well, so we need to be aware of their threats.
“Even though they lost their opener against JDT, it’s not easy to go all the way to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and score a goal.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an easy match, but it’s going to be an interesting one as I have full trust in my boys to deliver.
“I hope my boys will maintain the same feelings and character that they displayed against Kedah to overcome Negeri Sembilan,” said Nidzam when contacted.
Negeri Sembilan were defeated 3-1 by JDT in their first Super League match on May 18.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan’s Azzmi said that his charges are ready to take on Selangor with a strong attitude and positive mindset.
He further expressed sadness for not being able to field the players brought in on loan from Selangor FC to strengthen his side’s Super League campaign for this season.
“I won’t say that our performance against JDT last week was bad even though we conceded 3 goals and lost the match. The boys showed character, and we even scored a goal against JDT at their home ground.
“My boys are all about positivity, and they have a lot of discipline.
“If we can play with so much confidence against JDT, we can definitely show character and do the same against Selangor.
“Anything is possible on the field and we are ready to face them tomorrow. It’s just sad that we won’t be able to use our loan players from Selangor, Azrin Afiq Rusmini and Hein Htet Aung.
“It’s part of the agreement and we can’t do anything about it. But we are ready to face Selangor with a strong attitude and positive mindset,” Azzmi told Scoop.
Negeri Sembilan currently rank 12th in the Super League table, with zero points from one game. – May 26, 2024