Shukor's change in position a boost

2009/11/08

SHUKOR Adan's conversion from a forward to a central defender was a masterstroke move by Negri Sembilan coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan which paid off in the best possible way.

Negri's unprecedented 11-game winning run coincided with Shukor playing in defence and carried them to their first Malaysia Cup title in 61 years.

Wan Jamak paid tribute to his stopper, who was fittingly named man-of-the-match for his performance in keeping Kelantan at bay until the last few seconds of the game.

"Shukor is an experienced and skilled player and when I needed someone to fill in at the back I had no hesitation in asking him.

"With his vast experience, I knew he would be able to control the defence well and become the partner which Aidil (Zafuan Radzak) sorely needed," said Wan Jamak after celebrating Negri's 3-1 final victory over Kelantan at the National Stadium yesterday.

Shukor, 30, was surprised to have won the match award but credited his teammates for the much-deserved win.

"I never expected to be the man-of-the-final at my age but it proves that I can still play. When the coach asked if I could help out in defence, I was more than ready despite having started the season as a striker and then playing in midfield.

"But this would not have been possible without the effort put in by my teammates, who despite the inexperience of some, did not succumb to pressure," said Shukor, who lifted the Malaysia Cup for the third time in five final appearances after tasting success with Selangor in 2002 and 2005.

Stage-fright appeared to get the better of Kelantan but coach B. Sathianathan said the defeat would be a valuable lesson moving forward as the search for their first major trophy continued.

"Credit to Negri for playing well and the early goal in the second half killed us. But I am proud of my players and I can't complain when nobody gave us a chance to make the final," said Sathianathan, who only took over as Kelantan coach days before the start of the Malaysia Cup.

Kelantan were undone by two mistakes by leftback Zamri Ramli, an Under-20 player, who was at fault for the first goal before conceding the penalty which gave Negri a 3-0 lead.

"This was probably the only game he played badly all season but I could not replace him because the rules say I had to field an Under-20 player and I did not have a replacement.

"But he will learn, this is an invaluable experience and I'm certain he will be the better for it."