PETALING JAYA: A taste with Harimau Malaya in the AFF Suzuki Cup has whetted the appetite of Petaling Jaya City’s mercurial attacker R. Kogileswaran to play in more international games.
Despite Malaysia’s poor performance in Singapore, where they exited at the group stage, the 23-year-old was one of the standouts in the team with two goals and one assist from four matches.
That good outing has boosted Kogileswaran’s confidence, and he’s showing it during the pre-season with the Phoenix.
“I’’ve been more confident since returning from national duty. I’ve been training well and I’ve played well in friendly matches,” he said.
“PJ City’s pre-season is going pretty well too. The team have been preparing since Dec 1, so the players’ fitness level are up to the mark
Kogileswaran also showed his versatility in the Suzuki Cup by shining as a winger and even as a box-to-box midfielder.
He said the number 10 role (playmaker) suits him but he is ready to adapt to any role PJ City coach P. Maniam wants him to play.
“I aim to score more goals, provide more assists and help improve the overall play of PJ City. I also hope to play more international matches for the country.”
Last season, Kogileswaran played 24 games with 10 starts and 14 substitute appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
PJ City finished seventh in the Super League last year.
Source: TheStar