Kuala Lumpur City’s Gallifuoco, cautioned his teammates from being overconfident and taking victory for granted when they resume their Super League quest with an away visit to beleaguered Penang this Saturday..
Met by The Voice of The City Boys, the Australian reminded everyone that despite the Panthers winning only once in 18 league matches, a surprising 2-1 home result against Terengganu, victory in any game is not given, rather it needs to be earned.
“I think it’s important to remember that this is still the same team that placed 3rd last year. Yes, their form isn’t what you would usually see from Penang, but it doesn’t mean they are a bad team. We have a lot of respect for them & what they can do, and we will be approaching this game with just as much focus as we would a table-topping team”, said the man fondly known as GG.
This fixture to the islanders and Sarawak United’s visit to Cheras, were brought forward and held in the FIFA days international window at the request of the City Boys management. It was the only way possible to accommodate the AFC Cup 2022 Inter-Zone final (East Asia Region) on October 5, 2022 in Jizzakh, Uzbekistan against PFC Sogdiana while keeping to the commitments of the domestic league calendar that needed to end on October 15, 2022.
The City Boys will take field in Georgetown without the presence of two important individuals, Zhafri and Declan, who have both been picked by national team headcoach Kim Pang Gon for the 48th Thai Kings Cup tournament in Chiang Mai, and Gallifuoco took the opportunity to congratulate the duo whole encouraging others to use this chance to make a claim for the positions.
“Firstly, I want to say how proud I am of both of them. Their national team call up was very well deserved. But, this is football and it’s moments like this that give less regular starters their opportunity to show themselves. I am confident with our squad & know that whoever is given their opportunity will be able to step up to the job.”
He was also asked on the morale of the team following their break that came after the 0-0 draw in Melaka, which marked a rather disappointing end to 17,000km’s of successful travel which began with a positive 2-2 draw in Kota Kinabalu, then 3-1 and 2-0 wins in Kolkata, India and Kuantan.
“After 4 away games in 2 weeks, I think I can speak on behalf of the whole team when I say the break was definitely very needed!! The boys are looking refreshed, relaxed & re-motivated. We have our targets for this season & we are very close to hitting them, so we have our focus on finishing these last 4 games strong.”
The Super League Match Day 19 fixture between Penang and Kuala Lumpur City is on Saturday, September 25 2022, at 9.00PM (2100hrs) at the City Stadium, Georgetown.
Tickets for the Super League match against Penang are available at the following link, https://www.tickethotline.com.my/
For Season Ticket Holders (B2 City Boys), enjoy direct access for purchase through the Club without the hassle and limitations of the online system (Contact Shamim for details)