Football
Nicolas Anil 7y

Smeltz aims for dream end to season with Kedah in Malaysia Cup

Just over three months after joining Kedah, Shane Smeltz finds himself on the verge of leading the club to their biggest moment in recent years after the Canaries booked a second consecutive Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.

The goalless draw in the second-leg semifinal away to PDRM FA on Saturday was enough for Kedah to storm into their second consecutive Cup final. Again, they will meet last year's conquerors Selangor, who downed them 2-0 to win for the 33rd time last December.

The defending champions, themselves, were in imperious form against T-Team in Terengganu, routing them 3-0 to progress 5-1 on aggregate to face Kedah.

Smeltz, who joined from Sydney FC in July, says the Cup script has all the makings of a fairy tale finish for his side, who made the final on a 2-1 aggregate.

"The script is written is for us to avenge last year's defeat and win the final. We know how big this competition is, and there is a lot of motivation to go one better than last year," Smeltz told ESPN FC.

"It was a tough game against PDRM, they are one of the most organised side I've played against. But we were disciplined and I am proud of my team for coming through to the final."

Malaysia Cup Final here we come! Together we can do this����⚽️����

A photo posted by Shane Smeltz (@therealsmeltz) on

The veteran hit man has settled into the side with such ease since his transfer to Alor Setar, with 10 goals to his name so far.

Five of those have come in the Malaysia Cup. Combined with those of Thiago Augusto and Liridon Krasnniqi, the trio's 15 goals have been a major factor in Kedah's sterling run in the competition.

"It was a bit difficult to combine with Thiago against PDRM because he was playing on the left. Of course, we would have loved to score in the second leg, but more importantly we did not concede. We will save the goals for the final," smiled Smeltz, who has yet to make up his mind on staying next season.

The 2010 New Zealand World Cup star has only signed until the end of the year.

"I haven't had time to think about my future yet, with so many games coming in thick and fast. But at my age, this club excites me. Living in Alor Setar is comfortable, the people are friendly, but the motivating factor is the ambition of the club.

"I didn't come here for a holiday, I came here to win things. We have 90 minutes of football to deliver silverware, and after that I will think of my plans," said the 35-year-old.

With travelling many fans running up to the shirtless striker for photos after the victory at Hang Jebat Stadium, it is evident how much Smeltz has endeared himself to the Kedah faithful.

The Malaysia Cup trophy may be just the clinching factor for him to put pen to paper for 2017, and see off his colourful career in Malaysia's rice capital.

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