AHMAD FAIRUZ YUNUS will try to be the second Kuala Lumpur player to win a
FA Cup medal with a second team.
Yap Wai Loon did it with Sabah last year.
Fairuz, making his debut with Sarawak this season, was with the KL side
than won the FA Cup in 1993 and 1994.
The lanky defender, who turned 24 on June 15, is looking forward to his
third FA Cup medal with his new team.
"After failing to win anything with Terengganu last season, I am looking
forward to a medal with Sarawak," said Fairuz.
Just two months ago, Fairuz was contemplating asking to be released as
he was not making much headway with Sarawak.
But coach Alan Vest's encouragement and Fairuz's patience, paid off as
he is now a regular with the team.
He is not playing his favourite sweeper's role but Fairuz is glad he has
a place in the team.
He will play as leftback in place of injured Dahlan Matusin.
"I prefer playing as a sweeper or central defender but I am not
complaining," said Fairuz.
Fairuz got his break when rightback Roslan Ismail was injured in May.
Then, it was Dahlan who was injured and Fairuz took over his slot.
Fairuz is still keeping his place and his steady performance has given
no reason for Vest to look for a replacement.
"I am excited about the Cup final although it is my third," said Fairuz
the son of former KL coach Yunus Tasman.
"Besides, I want to repay the confidence of the coach and the Sarawak FA
in me."
On the final, Fairuz said experienced Kedah will start as the
favourites.
"But the underdog tag suits us fine and we will try to ovecome the
odds," he said.
Fairuz expects a torrid time from the speedy Kedah forwards, especially
Mohamad Adzha, Che Zambil Ahmad and Hashim Mustapha.
"I am prepared for the challenge," said Fairuz.
"It is going to be tough but Kedah are not unstoppable."
(END)
