KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor head coach Nidzam Jamil expects his team to apply the knowledge gained from their recent success at the RCTI Premium Sports tournament in Indonesia to the club’s domestic campaign this season.
The Red Giants clinched their second accolade of the season by defeating Persija Jakarta 1-0 in the final, securing a cash prize of US$30,000 (RM140,100).
Aside from Selangor FC and Persija Jakarta, the four-corner tournament also featured PSIS Semarang FC and Sabah FC, competing for the title from May 30 to June 2.
Previously, Selangor also competed in the Selangor Asia Challenge, a pre-season tournament where they emerged as champions, marking their first accolade of the season.
Speaking to Scoop, Nidzam said that the atmosphere within the team has been great following their success in Indonesia.
He added that some players were delighted with the game time they received during the tournament.
Squad players such as V. Ruventhiran, Khuzaimi Piee, Azim Al-Amin, Aiman Hakimi, Muhammad Abu Khalil, and Haiqal Haqeemi, who did not feature much in the club’s opening fixtures against Kedah FC and Negri Sembilan FC in the Malaysia Super League, managed to get sufficient game time at the RCTI Premium Sports tournament.
“The group is happy with the tournament victory, as some of them received the game minutes they wanted. Overall, both players and staff were pleased. Despite the international break, we gathered for five days like a second pre-season, and everyone contributed.
“Even with some players on international duty, we returned with the cup. It was a valuable learning experience, especially defeating Persija Jakarta in front of their home fans, which pushed us to perform at our best.
“Now, as we return to our domestic campaigns, I want my players to implement the knowledge they gained in Indonesia.
“Given that many of our players have gained game time, they naturally want more. At Selangor FC, competition is fierce, making every position up for grabs. The players must maintain high performance in training sessions to secure their spot,” said Nidzam when contacted.
Selangor currently ranks fourth in the Super League table with six points from three games, having played only two matches after withdrawing from the Charity Shield, which granted Johor Darul Ta’zim FC a walkover win and three points.
The Red Giants will take on Negri Sembilan FC in the FA Cup first-round match on June 15. – June 7, 2024