KUALA LUMPUR – Sri Pahang FC has raised their aspirations by aiming for a top-three position for the upcoming Malaysia Super League season under the leadership of football icons Datuk Dollah Salleh and Fandi Ahmad.
Dollah, who holds a record of winning 81 caps and scoring 33 goals for Malaysia, was a club legend for “the Elephants” during his playing days from 1991 to 1996, scoring a total of 76 goals in 125 appearances for the club.
The 60-year-old national football legend also had two stints as the head coach of Sri Pahang FC (2010-2013, 2017-2021) before being promoted to the club’s team manager in 2022.
Fandi, currently the head coach of the team, joined Sri Pahang FC last year following successful coaching stints with the Young Lions, Pelita Jaya, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), and the Singapore national team.
The 61-year-old former Singapore national striker was once the most prolific player in his country, earning a total of 101 caps and scoring 55 goals between 1979 and 1997.
The Dollah-Fandi duo, who currently lead the dressing room of Sri Pahang FC, have recently made plans to travel abroad for a preseason tour to Singapore to prepare their charges for the new Super League season.
Speaking to Scoop, Sri Pahang FC’s chief executive officer, Datuk Mohammed Suffian Awang, said he believes in the leadership of the legendary coaches and is confident they will bring the team to greater heights.
“I really admire their knowledge of football, and their records and experiences speak for themselves. Since the day they came on board, they have transformed the image of our club, making it one of the most competitive clubs in the Super League.
“They know the players well and are capable of bringing out the best from the players, hence I’m confident that we can reach our target of finishing in the top three this season.
“They have also suggested a plan to travel to Singapore for a preseason tour, and we from the management side have agreed to the plan. We will be departing for Singapore after Hari Raya.
“We will probably play two matches against two Singapore Premier League clubs, and we are currently finalising the clubs and dates,” said Suffian.
Sri Pahang FC has been on a player signing spree with the signings of Sean Selvaraj, Adam Nor Azlin, centre-back Aleksandar Cvetkovic (Serbia), Kuvondik Ruziev (Uzbekistan), and Manuel Hidalgo (Argentina).
Last season, Pahang finished fifth in the Super League with 46 points. – April 4, 2024