Pahang opened their Super League with an impressive 3-1 win over Kuala Lumpur at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras on Friday with Nigerian Dickson Nwakaeme hitting a brace.
The outcome of the match and the Nwakaeme’s performance left Pahang head coach Dollah Salleh pleased and satisfied as the Elephants have voiced their intentions to win the Super League and end the reign of five-time league champions Johor Darul Takzim.
Pahang won the FA Cup last season without the much liked Nwakaeme who last played for Pahang three years ago.
“We are not talking of any targets as we have embarked on a special mission this season. I believe we have a far better side this season and it is great to start off our season with an impressive win,” said Dollah from Kuantan.
“It is a long, long journey. One win does not make you champions but it is nice to win the opening match as it gives up inspiration and confidence to look towards the next (which is against Terengganu in Kuantan).”
Dollah also rubbished Kuala Lumpur coach Yusri Che Lah’s comments on his team’s defeat by off the field problems at KLFA.
“This is bullshit. KL played well and look at the way they celebrated the goal they scored against us. It was a tough match for us won the hard way.
“We won on merit. It was never an easy win…but we won because we played as a team. Football is not about individuals. Teams win glory as a team,” added Dollah.
“If any team has any problems…on and off field, it is not our problem. Pahang’s mission is to win matches to win titles. All opponents are treated with respect not matter how the teams are managed.”
Coming back to his team, Dollah said: “Dickson has certainly given us more bite upfront. He has the ‘bite’ that we missed last season after Forkey Doe was injured. Our strikers have been our weakness.” RIZAL ABDULLAH
