Petaling Jaya City coach P. Maniam has ordered his men to shackle Melaka United hitman Ifedayo Omosuyi in their Super League opener at the MBPJ Stadium today.
The predatory Omosuyi, who won the Super League Golden Boot twice with Selangor in 2020 and 2021, is expected to be Melaka's biggest weapon.
Maniam remembers well the Omosuyi threat as he starred for Selangor last season but said that the Mousedeer also have potent firepower in Haitian forward Sony Norde, Brazilian Adriano Aparecido and veteran striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.
However, Maniam said that despite Melaka's attacking prowess, he is confident that his all-local line-up can go toe-to-toe against the imports.
"We know Melaka have strengthened well with new players, including imports especially Omosuyi who is a very good striker.
"We still believe in our local talents' abilities and the key is that our players need to believe in themselves and their teammates. As long as we work hard, we will get a positive result.
"We did well last season and we want to be better this season. We have added depth to our squad with new signings.
"I believe we have the players who can make an impact this season."
Meanwhile, the Pheonix's new signing, S. Kumaahran, is excited to meet his old team, Melaka.
The Penang-born player was loaned to Melaka for the 2021 season from his parent club, JDT before joining PJ City.
Kumaahran, who will operate alongside the PJ City strikeforce of Darren Lok, Khyril Muhymeen Zambri and M. Kogileswaran Raj, said: "I know the (Melaka) players there well and how dangerous they can be.
"On one side I'm excited to meet them but at the same time I want to help my team to win matches. I will share my knowledge of the players there with my new teammates.
"Although we are an all-local side, we are confident of getting a positive result since we are playing at home."