Negri Sembilan striker Hairuddin Omar is gunning for a third straight Malaysia Cup winners’ medal.
But the former international knows that he has more pressing matters to attend to first, like making sure Negri can overcome T-Team in the semi-finals first.
Hairuddin, who won the coveted Malaysia Cup with Negri in 2009 and with Kelantan last year, admitted that: “I’m not thinking about the final yet”.
The Deer have a good record against T-Team, having defeated them 3-1 and 4-0 in the Super League.
The return of the Abdul Razak twins – Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha – has further boosted the squad despite the probable absence of centreback Norhafiz Misbah Zamani, who dislocated his shoulder in the semi-final, second leg match against Felda United.
Negri beat Felda 3-1 on aggregate in the last eight.
T-Team too are brimming with confidence, especially skipper Rosdi Talib who believes that the blend of youth and experience will propel them to the Malaysia Cup final.
He attributed their yo-yo form in the Super League this season to the lack of understanding between the young and experienced players.
“But we’ve gelled at the right time … and now we are in the semi-finals,” he said.
“The young players have combined well the experienced players like Indra Putra Mahyuddin and Mohd Nor Farhan Muhammad.”
Rosdi has also told his younger team-mates not to be intimidated by Negri Sembilan when the teams meet in the Malaysia Cup semi-final, first-leg tie at their home ground – the Sultan Ismail Stadium – tonight.
“The younger players must stay focused and not underestimate Negri. We have hit peak form at the right moment … so we must remain consistent to reach the final,” he said.
“We’ve created history by reaching the semis. Now, it’s time for us to go on and reach the final – and win it.”
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