PETALING JAYA, Feb 17 — Ismail Zakaria’s vision of seeing Kuala Lumpur back in the Super League is slowly taking shape.
The season may be only two weeks old, but the City Boys are developing a stranglehold at the top of the Premier League courtesy of a second consecutive 1-0 win, this time over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) II on Monday.
They beat PKNS on Friday.
The former Klang Valley giants have been injected with a lucrative investment this season, believed to be around RM12 million and signed over 20 new faces to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Zhafri Yahya, who is one of the team’s unsung heroes believes playing without pressure is bringing the best in him and the team.
“I feel more comfortable playing for KL. Here I have the opportunity to play without burden and it helps a lot as I get to expand on various aspects of my game.
“Hopefully we can continue this strong run of form,” said the former Selangor President Cupper, who has already earned two penalties for the team.
“I try to get into good positions and score and the penalties have been fortunate,” said Zhafri, who paved the way for Leonardo Moreira to score from the spot after he was felled in the box by JDT II custodian Mohd Fazli Paat.
JDT II coach Benjamin Mora refused to blame Fazli, who seemed jittery.
He also made an embarrassing gaffe when he miskicked the ball in an attempted clearance which almost resulted in a goal.
“It was not his night. Fazli is experienced but this happens sometimes. When you make a good save you’re a hero, if you make a mistake you become an instant villain. He just has to keep working hard,” said Mora of the custodian, who was making his first appearance of the season.
JDT II, who had also lost to DRB-Hicom in the season opener suffered a further blow when striker Paulo Rangel limped off injured in the second half.
“We’ll have to wait on the extent of his injury, but I hope he will be fit for the next game” said the coach.
