|
KUALA LUMPUR -- PDRM FA coach Mohd Fauzi Pilus says he intends to use versatile Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin as an all action midfielder in the 2016 Super League season. The highly rated 24-year-old raised eyebrows with his move to the unfashionable Police side as most of his former LionsXII teammates headed to S.League clubs after the end of Singapore's involvement in Malaysian competitions. But Fauzi hopes that the ex-Melbourne City player will add gumption to the free-scoring PDRM whose attractive attack has been marred by a leaky defence. "We know what a good player Safuwan is and how he can play in many positions," Fauzi said. "But I think for us this season, he will be a box-to-box midfielder as we aim to win a cup this season." That is a similar role to the one that the former Young Lions star executed last season, although he was also deployed as an attacking midfielder and can play anywhere across the back four. Safuwan and his PDRM teammates leave for a pre-season tour of Thailand on Friday. They played a trial match on Monday, losing 3-1 to T-Team who are preparing for the Jan. 30 playoff against ATM FA to take LionsXII's place in the 2016 MSL. After making a quick trip to Singapore this week for a national team fitness test, Safuwan was back at PDRM training on Thursday. "So far, I am enjoying PDRM," he told ESPN FC. "We have a strong squad for the season and it's good to stay in the Malaysia Super League (MSL). "But the S.League will be interesting this year with all the LionsXII players coming back. When I am back in Singapore, I will definitely try to watch some S.League matches." At Thursday's session, Safuwan did some passing drills in a group including PDRM's new recruit, K. Reuben. The ex-Malaysia national fullback moves from ATM FA to reunite with his former youth coach, Fauzi.
|
