SEREMBAN: Former national Underr-22 squad trainee L. Kalaihrasan is determined to convince Negri Sembilan coach, Jorg Steinebrunner, to ensure his dream of playing in the team’s first eleven for the entirety of next season becomes a reality.
Even though Kalaihrasan readily admits that competition between players for spots in the starting line-up is very tight, especially when there are quite a few experienced players in the team, the centre-back is working hard to put in good performances during training to catch the coach’s eye.
"My dream is for a place in the starting line-up not just for the first or few matches but for the entire season, and even though competition for places is tough, I am confident that by working hard enough and performing well I will be able to earn my spot in the first eleven.
"I know that I also need to show that I am very disciplined, with a high work rate and able to perform consistently well during matches because there are the elements that will get the coach’s attention.
"I also need to overcome nervousness and not be overawed, and instead be confident in my own ability because the Super League is the top flight of Malaysian football and it requires each and every player to be and perform at their very best,” said the Port Dickson born player.
Kalaiharasan is among four Negri Sembilan President’s Cup players who earned the belief of the FA of Negri Sembilan (PBNS) to step up and join the senior squad for the 2018 Malaysia League season.
The former president’s cup captain is determined to make full use of his experience garnered under coach Ong Kim Swee while with the national Under-22 squad to help the Deers .
"I will not waste such invaluable experience because Negri Sembilan will face very stiff competition for the new season compared to last season in the Premier League.
"After helping our 2017 president’s cup squad reach the knockout stage of competition, I am hoping to do even better with the senior squad for the new season, because I have to if I am to become a regular and one who contributes positively to the team,” he said after signing a two year contract to play for Negri Sembilan.