FELDA United coach Irfan Bakti believes the semi-final target set by the club’s management for next month’s Malaysia Cup is achievable.
The 62-year-old said his talented team are eager to make an impact following their impressive performances in the recent Premier League and FA Cup matches.
Felda, who made their M-League in the FAM League in 2007, are drawn in Group A with reigning champions Pahang, LionsXII and Johor.
They will open their campaign against Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium on Aug 13, followed by Johor six days later and Pahang (Aug 22) in the first round.
Felda’s best achievement in four previous appearances was reaching the quarter-finals in 2011 and 2012.
“I think we can go far if my players continue their momentum of playing good football. We can beat all teams because we play at the same level as the best teams,” said Irfan recently.
Felda had a bad start to their season in the Premier League but despite the shortcoming, the club clawed back and eventually finished behind champions Police.
The club’s biggest success this season was in the FA Cup, where they overcame Super League teams Armed Forces, Sime Darby FC, Sarawak and Kelantan before losing 2-1 to Pahang in the final.
In the Malaysia Cup, Irfan will be banking on Premier League top scorer, Edward Wilson Junior and Zah Rahan Krangar, who scored 28 goals between them, to achieve the club’s semi-final target.
“Pahang are the favourites but it does not mean they will have it easy.
“We are looking sharp with eight goals in two matches but I do not want my players to get over confident at this stage. It is important that we remain level-headed and also focus on the upcoming mission,” said Irfan.
The team showed glimpses of their form in their impressive wins in recent friendly matches against Young Tigers B (6-2) and Police (2-2).