An encouraging 3-3 draw against his former team Kedah in Alor Setar in midweek has given Negri Sembilan coach Azraai Khor Abdullah ‘hope” when the Deer face four-time league winners Johor Darul Takzim at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.
Negri Sembilan are entrenched at the bottom of the table – sharing the spot with Kelantan – separated by goal difference with only five points after eight matches.
“The outcome against Kedah is very encouraging and positive for us,” said Azraai from Seremban.
“Playing JDT after sharing the spoils with Kedah has given us hope. The players are more confident when facing the big names in Malaysian football. JDT have a big reputation but we are not overawed by their status as the four-time champions or league leaders.”
JDT are at the top of the table with 21 points – four ahead of second-placed Pahang with 17 points.
Azraai also revealed that he and assistant coach Asri Ninggal will head to Thailand on Sunday with the hope of signing up a new hitman for the team during second transfer window.
“For once there was their tremendous fighting spirit in the players who never gave up even when Kedah were leading 3-1 at one stage. I am more than pleased with the draw although we are still at the bottom.
“Hopefully, things will change for the better. Success does not come overnight. The players showed that they have it in them to face the big guns,” added Azraai who is in his stint with Negri. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
