FOOTBALL: Perak’s new-found gusto
PERAK striker Michal Kubala believes his team can mount a serious challenge in the Malaysia Cup, which starts tomorrow, under new coach Jang Jung.
PERAK striker Michal Kubala believes his team can mount a serious challenge in the Malaysia Cup, which starts tomorrow, under new coach Jang Jung.
The Slovakian, who has scored 14 goals this season, said Perak are in good form to end their 12-year Malaysia Cup drought this season.
"I want to help Perak win the title. It does not matter who scores as long we do well. I am the club's top scorer but team success is more important to me," said Kubala recently.
"We, however, need a winning start to our campaign as it will help us gain confidence for tough matches."
Perak open their Group C campaign against Premier League side Sime Darby FC at Selayang Stadium tomorrow.
It will not be an easy match for Perak if Sime Darby rediscover the form that helped them reach the FA Cup final in April.
Kubala, 32, also feels his partnership with former Cameroon under-20 international Albert Bodjongo up front will deliver during the competition.
"We hope to continue our league form in the Malaysia Cup. Our understanding is getting better and I believe we will make a huge impression," said the former Slovakian youth international.
On the recent appointment of Jang Jung as coach, Kubala said the former South Korean international has added a new dimension to Perak's style of play.
"We have adapted well to his methods in training but we cannot be too confident of our campaign. What I can say is that we are fitter than before due to his tough training," he said.
On Perak's target, Kubala said other teams should not take them lightly.
"We did quite well in the Super League except for our embarrassing 6-0 loss to Kelantan. It affected us mentally but we must put it behind us and mount a serious challenge in this competition.
"We are the second ranked team in the group but we cannot take Felda or Sime Darby for granted. We must not be overconfident," he added.
Perak, however, need to improve on their defensive qualities if they hope to go far. In the Super League, Jang Jung's side scored 40 times but let in 43 goals to finish fourth.