Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Negeri Sembilan coach wants winger Kunalan to score more goals

Winger S. Kunalan is set to play a more significant role up-front for Negri Sembilan in the Malaysia Cup which will kicks off next month.

Apart from his tire-less work rate and spraying the passes to the strikers, Negri coach Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah wants the Semenyih-born player to get into the scoring act as well.

The nippy 24-year-old winger has been a major force in Negri’s offensive play with his darting runs, mazy dribbles and crosses but lacks the finishing touches.

His poor goalscoring record is evident after having fired blanks with the senior national team since 2009 and only managed to score once with the National Under-23 team during the 2009 Laos SEA Games.

He managed six goals since 2009 for Negri including one goal so far this season.

“I have tried hard to score goals for the national team but luck has not been kind to me. At times I came really close but I just can’t put the ball into the back of the net,” said a disappointed Kunalan.

“I admit that that my finishing has not been satisfactory and I really wish to address this weakness. I’m looking forward to improve on my finishing and I hope coach Azraai will be able to assist me in the training sessions.”

Kunalan has rejoined the Deer’s training for the Malaysia Cup after the 10-day national training camp from Aug 3-12 at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya ended on Monday.

Azraai believes Kunalan can play a bigger role for Negri and the national team if the player had the confidence and the extra edge with his finishing in front of the goal.

“Kunalan had been a big asset to the national team and us. He has been tremendous for Negri when the team were struggling with injuries this season,” said Azraai.

“He can be more effective to the team if he can double up his duty by creating and also finishing chances in front of goal.

“His speed and dribbling often open up space for us but I think we need to harness his ability to beat players and score goals.

Negri, who are in Group B with Terengganu, PKNS and Sime Darby FC, will kick off their Malaysia Cup campaign against PKNS at the MBPJ Stadium on Sept 6.

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