PETALING JAYA: Let the good times roll. Kelantan coach K. Devan believes that veteran footballer Indra Putra Mahayuddin’s second coming will inspire the Red Warriors to glory days again in the M-League, which starts on Feb 13.
“Indra has the qualities and goal-scoring instincts. He is a fan favourite and has the charisma to lead the team. His return will be a huge boost in our search for success in the new season,” said Devan.
The former Negri Sembilan coach said 2012 treble winners Kelantan have an experienced side to end their two-year title drought.
“We have good local players and we are going to hire three influential foreigners. We should be able to make our fans excited again. We still have the core of the players from the 2012 squad. And we hope Indra’s return will spur them on.”
Players from the 2012 squad playing in the new season are skipper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Mohd Shahrizan Ismail (goalkeepers), Mohd Farisham Ismail, Nik Shahrul Azim, Zairul Fitree Ishak, Muhd Faim Zainal Abidin, Daudsu Jamaluddin (defenders), Mohd Badhri Radzi, Mohd Khairul Izuan Rosli (midfielders), Mohd Norfarhan Mohd and Indra (strikers).
Australia defender Jonathan McKain has been retained while the new local additions are striker Abdul Manaf Mamat (Terengganu), midfielder Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar and defender Muslim Ahmad (Police).
The 34-year-old Indra, who played for Felda United the past two seasons, is pleased to be back for his second stint.
“One of the reasons I came back is because of the passionate fans. I have fond memories playing here in 2012 and I hope we can achieve success again.”
The Perak-born Indra has played for six clubs since making his M-League debut in 1998. He has won numerous accolades, including the Premier One title with Perak (2002, 2003); Super League with Pahang (2004) and Kelantan (2012); FA Cup with Pahang (2006) and Kelantan (2012, 2013) and Malaysia Cup with Kelantan (2010, 2012).
In 2014, Indra played a sterling role to help Felda win promotion to the Super League. Last year, Felda qualified for the Malaysia Cup semi-finals before losing 4-3 on aggregate to Kedah.
Indra’s best memories with Kelantan was the spectacular extra-time winner in the 3-2 triumph over Armed Forces in the 2012 Malaysia Cup final. It enabled the Red Warriors to achieve the historic treble (Super League, FA and Malaysia Cup).
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
