Negeri Sembilan boosted by returning players

The Abdul Radzak twins, Mohd Zaquan Adha and Aidil Zafuan, who are both internationals, are expected to return from injuries with Negri Sembilan for the Malaysia Cup which starts next month.

Zaquan was sidelined since March after aggravating his left knee in a Super League match against Selangor.

The striker, who performed the umrah last month, has been given the go ahead to start training with the Negri team.

As for his younger brother, Aidil, who suffered injuries to his ankle and knee when representing the country in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, is also on the mend.
 

The twins have pledged to give their best for Negri in the Malaysia Cup.

Yesterday, Zaquan, Aidil and swimmer Khoo Cai Lin, who are the ambassadors for Herbalife, attended the launch of its new product, NW Formula, at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Negri, who finished eighth in the Super League, have been drawn in Group B with FA Cup champions Terengganu, Premier League winners PKNS and dark horses Sime Darby.

The 2009 Malaysia Cup champions were touted as one of the favourites in this season's Super League but injuries to key players hampered their progress.

Negri, under the guidance of Azraai Khor, however, are hoping for a better outing in the Malaysia Cup as most of their players have recovered.

Zaquan hopes to get his scoring act together in the competition.

"I took a big risk by returning too early from last year's knee surgery and I paid the price by aggravating it after just three appearances from the substitute bench in the Super League," said Zaquan yesterday.

"I needed to go for a second surgery to rectify the problem in my knee. The experience has taught me never to take my recovery period lightly.

"My goal is to make a difference for Negri on my return. It is important that I get my first goal of the season to build my confidence."

Zaquan said: "It is important that I start training to get the feel but I've been warned to start from the basics."

Centreback Aidil, who has started treatment, is unsure whether he will be able to play in Negri's opening match on Sept 6.

"It will depend on how fast I recover from both injuries. I do not want to rush things as I may suffer the same fate like my brother's."

On Negri's chances in the Malaysia Cup, Aidil said his team would be stronger as the other injured players have returned to training.

"We cannot take any of our opponents lightly. Terengganu and PKNS will both be high on confidence as they have won titles this season while Sime Darby have the capability of causing upsets.