Tall order ahead: Ivan Mamut, who stands 1.92m, had a stellar 2023 campaign when he finished as the Turtles’ top scorer with 23 goals.
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu’s former striker Ivan Mamut from Croatia has broken his silence over a tumultuous season marked by injury setbacks and off-field financial frustrations.
Mamut is making it clear that he’s ready to return – but not without settling scores.
After a stellar 2023 campaign, during which he finished as the Turtles’ top scorer with 23 goals in all competitions, expectations were high for Mamut to lead the line again in 2024.
But an Achilles injury proved to be a season-ending blow, forcing the 28-year-old to the sidelines.
“The club staff helped me a lot during recovery, but the pain was unbearable,” said the 1.92m forward.
“So I sat out the season with one aim, to be fully fit for the 2025-26 season.”
Mamut said his absence was more about his fitness rather than rumours over his dissatisfaction following the exit of former coach Tomislav Steinbruckner.
“People said I was fit but refused to play because Tomi left. That’s not true. My Achilles took time to heal, and it only fully recovered when I returned to Croatia for proper therapy after the season ended.”
But what hurts more than the injury, Mamut said, was the club’s failure to pay his wages.
“I’m owed more than nine months’ salary. I see my teammates being paid while I’m left out.
“I’ve never been unprofessional as I had the documents, the contract. It wasn’t fair.”
He refrained from launching into a tirade against the club’s management but he was frustrated.
“I had to answer to my family. It affected me mentally. I’ve stayed quiet, but now I have to protect my name,” he said.
“I also want the Terengganu supporters to know about my situation because I know they respected me.
If no resolution is found soon, Mamut is prepared to bring up the matter to FIFA.
When asked about the situation, Terengganu chief operating officer (COO) Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain said Mamut’s contract ended on April 30 and would do the needful with the player.
“We will look into it and see if there are matters that are not completed,” said Syahrizan briefly.
Still, Mamut’s love for Malaysian football remains intact. Despite links to a European return, the towering striker insisted he was “90 percent” certain he would stay in Malaysia.
“I’m fully fit now. I’ve had some offers, and I’m listening. I want to show everyone I can be one of the best strikers in the Super League.”
