Devan’s riches of talent in Selangor team the envy of all coaches

PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach K. Devan, who led the team to a treble last season, has one good reason to smile even before the start of the new season.

With at least two good players in each position in the squad, the 48-year-old manager-cum-coach is clearly spoilt for choice for the Charity Shield (Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup) match against Negri Sembilan on Jan 9.

Devan said that even without the five players – Safiq Rahim, Amirulhadi Zainal, Amri Yahyah, Bunyamin Umar and Farderin Kadir – on international duty, he would still have a strong starting XI for the Negri clash.

“We have become a stronger team this season and I’m lucky to have many quality players in each position,” said Devan.

“The players know that competition will be stiff for them to seal a regular spot in the starting line-up … but they have been working hard for the past five weeks.”

The coach, who also found success with Kuala Muda Naza and Negri previously, has signed up six players to beef up his Selangor squad this season.

Devan has brought in Liew Kit Kong (K. Muda Naza), Safiq (KL Plus), Farderin (K. Muda Naza), Azrine Efendy Saduddin (Johor), Mohd Iqbal Suhaimi (Proton FC) and Bunyamin (UPB-MyTeam).

The Red Giants have also won six of the seven friendly matches they have played since Dec 12. They beat Penang KGS FC (2-0), Kedah (4-2), Pos Malaysia (2-0), Sarawak (2-0), T-Team (4-3) and Pahang (3-1). Their only defeat came against Zimbabwe (0-3).

“The players have so far combined well and it will be a matter of time before they become tactically perfect as a unit,” he said.

“They are all experienced players and I have no worries about them clicking as a team.”

With so many talented players in the squad, Devan hinted that he might tinker with his starting line-up for the AFC Cup and the FA Cup competitions.

“We will be playing close to 60 matches this season … that is a huge number for the players,” he said. — The Star