'HEADS I WIN', MENTAL MIGHT VITAL DESPITE ABSENCE OF TWO KEY PLAYERS CLAIMS COACH FANDI

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Sri Pahang FC head coach Fandi Ahmad stressed that his squad's preparations were not affected despite the absence of two key players for the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at Bukit Jalil National Stadium here tomorrow night (kickoff: 9 pm).

Fandi, a former Singapore international who has vast experience in playing Malaysia Cup finals during his heydays, said striker Kpah Sherman (3 goals) was suspended, while winger Manuel Hidalgo (4 goals) is a player on loan from JDT.

"Although losing these two players impacted initial plans, the squad still has a balanced strength to pursue their Malaysia Cup hopes since they last won it in 2014," he said.

The former Pahang and Singapore national player made these remarks at the pre-match press conference for the Malaysia Cup 2024/2025 final between Sri Pahang and JDT at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.

At the same time, Fandi stressed that technical quality alone is insufficient to face the superior JDT, the defending champions, who have vast experience and consistency on the final stage. 'Heads I win, tails you lose' may sound like a confidence trick but really, confidence might just do the trick.

"The most important thing is to be mentally tough. Quality must be there, but if mental focus is lacking, it’s difficult. Because I can see it in their discipline and determination — not just in their ability, but a higher level of desire with a positive attitude. When facing JDT, if there’s no strong will, you’ll fall apart," he said.

Fandi stated that most of the players in his squad have never played in the final of such a prestigious tournament, but he believes that this situation will serve as an extra motivation for them.

He mentioned that the players’ focus is at an optimum level after undergoing intensive training sessions at the Mokhtar Dahari Football Academy (AMD) in Gambang, Pahang, along with psychological approaches implemented by the coaching staff over the past two weeks.

"Many of these players have never played in a final and since decades ago, the Malaysia Cup has held great prestige. So, they all have the desire and I know how to motivate them, to make them feel really excited to play and with confidence.

"During training, I see all the players giving a 100 per cent to earn a spot in the starting lineup. In the last three or four matches, I’ve been rotating the starting XI every session, giving everyone a chance. So, from there, I get a clear picture of who truly has quality," he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Pahang captain Mohammad Fadhli Shas described this final match as a special moment in his professional career, as he had previously played on the same stage with JDT in 2014.

He said the opportunity to return to the final was a valuable experience that he would never forget.

“For me, this is one of the unforgettable experiences in my football career. Playing in the same final, but with two different teams. Back in 2014, I represented JDT.

“Now, I represent Sri Pahang. So, I feel very excited and hope that tomorrow we can give our best,” said the 34-year-old defender with confidence brimming up to the task.

For the record, the last time Sri Pahang won the Malaysia Cup was in the 2014 season, defeating JDT 5-3 in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 2-2 at the same stadium, securing their fourth title.

Meanwhile, JDT is on a mission to make history as the first team to win the 'triple treble' after being crowned FA Cup champions and securing the Super League championship this season.

-- BERNAMA