Johor Bahru 29/1/2014 : He is fast, he is skillfull and can take corners with his hands tied. A right-back doing all the right moves at the right time, most of the time. We chanced upon this Selangor born lad after a morning session training at Larkin Stadium. A home boy of Selayang, he is 24 years old and his looks may deceive you to think that he was born during the glory days of Pele. Mahali was hailed as South East Asia's brightest talent by Asian football fraternity and is well known for his forward forays and dangerous crossing. A regular to the National side and his ways were rather down to earth. He'd definitely have a long and colourful way to go in his career and at the moment let's see whether he has worn the true colours of JDT.
QUESTION (Q): As a right-back and at times you do play a part as an attacking role and rather attached to Amri Yahya, is that a permanent fixture or you have other options?
ANSWER (A): I don't mind to be paired with anyone. Each one of my team mates have their own specialties be it with Awe ( Nurul Azwan Roya), Nazrin Nawi or anyone, I'm not particular about it as I have already known their ability and I'm pretty much compatible with them.
Q : At the defensive flank department, with whom are you comfortable with?
A : I can play with anyone actually, in particularly as a right-back I'm used with Amri Yahya's play because we've played together whilst in Selangor.
Q : Again, as a right-back, most of the time you would play the ball deep into the enemy's territory, can u play the part as an attacking midfielder?
A : That is my original position since I was 17 years old, if the need arise, I will always be ready for it.
Q : Originally you are from Selangor and you've played and served your home state, do you feel welcome and feel accepted by Johor fans and team JDT itself and adapt yourself here without jeopardizing your actual performance?
A : The acceptance by Johor fans have been phenomenal and I felt very much appreciated since the very moment I set my footings here in Johor and that relates to my being in JDT. In Johor and Selangor, players are appreciated and well accepted by supporters and fans, maybe it is because of their highly charged spirit.
Q : With the tactical settings and being the in the best 4 in the defense department, are you comfortable with both set up?
A : I'm comfortable as a right-back and as I said, all individual players have their own strength and capability and with the current best 4 at the backs, I have no major problem with them because we were team mates in the National side. We should maintain and sustain the current line up there and it can be enhance even further.
Q : How is your communication with Aidil Zafuan and can you accept his leadership?
A : I have no issues with Aidil and I accept his ways. We do receive each other's command.
Q : Can you score goals even though you are a defence player? And how many can you score this season?
A : As a defensive player, it's a bonus for me to score goals as that is every players intention and instinct. Definitely we want to give the best during a match and most importantly is that I want to be part of a goal scoring build up and moves as it should be a team effort and again, it's a bonus if I score.
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