KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 — Perak’s loss is set to be Selangor Football Club’s (Selangor FC) gain. That’s the view of Perak II coach Abu Bakar Fadzim after learning of prolific striker Muhammad Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi’s decision to leave the silver state and play for Selangor FC in next season’s Super League campaign.
Abu Bakar, who used to coach Muhammad Shahrel Fikri at PKNP FC, believes that the striker has all the qualities necessary to excel with his new team.
“His determination, tenacity and never-say-die attitude will see him fit in anywhere. He is also extremely self-motivated and likes to set personal targets in whatever he does.
“If that’s not enough, he also gives his 100 per cent in training and matches.
“Even his decision to join Selangor is probably due to the fact that he likes to challenge himself. I was shocked by his decision but, as a professional player, he deserves to challenge himself to reach the highest level,” the coach told Bernama today.
Abu Bakar, who is a former Perak player and coach, is confident that the presence of the 26-year-old Muhammad Shahrel Fikri, fondly known as ‘Eky’, would strengthen Selangor FC’s attack.
“He is at the right age (to make the move) and his maturity shone through when he took on the responsibility of leading the Perak attack last season. He has proven himself to be one of the best local forwards in the league… and on par with the foreign strikers plying their trade in the Malaysia League (M-League),” said Abu Bakar.
Muhammad Shahrel Fikri emerged as the top local hotshot when he netted 10 goals in 10 appearances with Perak last season. Only Golden Boot winner Ifedayo Olesegun of Selangor had more goals than him, with 12.
Selangor FC, who announced the signing of Muhammad Shahrel Firki, are hoping he will be able to help them regain their former glory.
Selangor last tasted success in 2015 when they clinched the prestigious Malaysia Cup. The closest they’ve come to another victory since then was when they emerged runners-up in the 2018 FA Cup competition.
— Bernama
