Football: LionXII start Malaysia Cup campaign against Johor FC

SINGAPORE: The LionsXII are strong contenders for the 2012 Malaysia Cup title, after finishing second in the Malaysian Super League.

They start their Cup campaign on Wednesday, away against cross border rivals Johor FC.

Even the rain at the Geylang field could not interrupt the team’s training before they departed for Johor on Tuesday night.

For coach V. Sundramoorthy, the preparations are coming along well.

But the former Malaysia Cup veteran has warned his boys that the stakes would be higher for the Cup competition, considering the shorter duration of the tournament with only six matches to contest.

And though three players are out with injuries, the coach is optimistic of taking three points, to start off on a winning note.

Mr V. Sundramoorthy said: "The team has been preparing well, as you know the boys just came back from their Hari Raya break, but before that during the fasting month, they have been working very hard. And I think after 17 years, we are back in the competition. We left as double champions and hopefully we will have a good run in this campaign."

Mr Shahril Ishak, Captain of LionsXII, said: "This is our second chance and we want to prove to the nation and I hope the boys give their 110 percent. And I hope the fans will come and support us."

— CNA/de