“Terengganu’s biggest setback for the Malaysia Cup is Ismail Faruqi’s unavailability. I’m trying out several players in training and friendlies to take up Ismail’s responsibilities at the heart of the engine room,” said coach E. Elavarasan yesterday.
Rosdi Talib and Fakhrurazi Musa are the likely candidates to step into Ismail’s shoes, but Elavarasan did not rule out the possibility of promoting one of the state’s President’s Cup players for the important role.
The Turtles, who are in Group C with defending champions Kelantan, Pahang and Negri Sembilan, have been contented with playing several friendlies with T-Team at home during the fasting month.
“We will intensify our preparations after the Hari Raya break, and play friendlies against top sides. I can only get a clearer picture when we get down to business,” the coach said.
Terengganu are out to avoid a repeat of the 2012 Malaysia Cup campaign, when they failed to progress from the group stage for the first time in a decade.
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