KUALA LUMPUR: Coach E. Elavarasan is eager to lead Melaka to glory as he faces his first test when the club take on Perak in a Super League match in Ipoh on Saturday.
Elavarasan is a familiar face in Malaysian football having guided several teams in the past.
Having coached Melaka in 2008, E. Elavarasan was hired as a replacement for Portuguese trainer Eduardo Almeida, whose contract was terminated recently.
Elavarasan’s last coaching assignment was with PKNS before he was rested by the club in mid-2017.
The 53-year-old is happy to return to coaching a Super League club.
“I moved on and joined Melaka after issues with my former club were settled,” said Elavarasan.
“Melaka United Soccer Association deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi offered a contract and I accepted it.
“It is a new challenge for me. Melaka are struggling but I think I can help them achieve targets.”
Melaka are 10th in the standings with nine points, just a rung above the relegation zone.
Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat who joined Melaka from Kelantan is expected to start on Saturday.
“When I looked at the team, I requested for a goalkeeper and thankfully Khairul was available. I am sure he will give a lot of confidence to our defence.
“I’ve only been with the team for two days. I have three injuries in G. Puaneswaran, Shahdan Sulaiman and Tiago Gomes.
“I have to make do with the remaining players.
“The priority is to remain in the Super League and also to do well in the Malaysia Cup,” he added.
Perak, under coach Mehmet Durakovic, are second in the league with 19 points following a three-match winning streak.