Moroccan returns as Penang Football Club technical director

(From left) Akmal Rizal, Chew, Gooi, Merzagua and Manzoor at the press conference in Penang Harmony Centre. - Courtesy photo

THE Great Merz – Merzagua Abderazzak – is back as the new Penang Football Club technical director.

The 1994 World Cupper is here for a third stint, having played as a striker in the 1990s and served as Penang head coach in 2012.

The Moroccan, who was a fan favourite during his heyday in Penang, is delighted with his new role.

He has vowed to create an identity for the club in the new 2024/2025 season, according to state publisher Buletin Mutiara.

“Today’s game is all about speed. When I say speed, it is not only about how fast you run, but how fast you decide before passing or tackling.

“From front to back, this is an essential skill that can drive a team to success and we hope to do the same with Penang FC too.

“To become successful, we need to create an identity that the entire club must represent, including the management, coaching staff and most importantly the players.

“I will do my best to deliver results and with the support of the management and relevant parties, I am very certain we can perform better than now,” he said at a press conference held at Penang Harmony Centre.

Back in the 1990s, whenever the Moroccan played, it always gave the team the belief that the Panthers would win the match, even against the top sides in the league then.

And in most instances, Merzagua would single-handedly win matches with his inspirational display, which would bring out the best from those around him.He always mesmerised the crowds with his dribbling runs.

Penang fans back then would never forget the winning goal he scored against Selangor at Shah Alam Stadium that won Penang the Premier One title in 1998.

After receiving a long ball from his strike partner G. Shanmugam, Merzagua sprinted past two defenders before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

At the same press conference, Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli was named Penang FC’s head coach for Super League, while Manzoor Azwira Abdul Wahid will lead Penang FC’s Under-23 team.

Asked about recruits for the squad, including local and imported players, Akmal Rizal said the management was currently in the planning stages and an announcement would be made soon.

Also present were Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam.

(From left) Akmal Rizal, Chew, Gooi, Merzagua and Manzoor at the press conference in Penang Harmony Centre. — Buletin Mutiara