Rangel promises a better performance with Terengganu

Terengganu hitman Paulo Rangel (left) will face his old team-mates from Selangor in the Super League tie at Sultan Ismail Stadium.

PETALING JAYA: He has been accused of being lazy. But Terengganu hitman Paulo Rangel has promised to buck up.

In fact, he has promised to work hard and help the east coast side end their trophy drought in the Super League this season.

He will get a chance to prove his critics wrong when he spearheads the Terengganu frontline against his former team, Selangor, in their opening match at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.

The Turtles last won a trophy in 2011 when they lifted the FA Cup. Last season, they could only finish fourth in the 12-team Super League, reach the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup and the second round of the FA Cup.

Head coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim has singled out new signing Rangel as the key player for his team this season.

And the 30-year-old, who is often criticised for his laid-back playing style, said that the fans can expect more from him this time.

The Brazilian was the Super League Golden Boot winner with Selangor last season – firing in 16 goals. But he left the Red Giants to join Terengganu following a fallout with the management.

“The fans can expect more hard work and dedication from me and the team,” said Rangel

“Expectations will be high on me to get the goals, especially after I won the Golden Boot award last season but I don’t look for individual glory ... I always put the team ahead. I hope to win titles with Terengganu this season.

“I have adapted well with the local players here and we have a team of quality players in the team.”

The 1.88m tall Rangel, who helped Selangor finish second in the Super League last season, said he will put aside sentiments when he lines up against his former team-mates.

“But my friendship with them will resume after the final whistle,” he said.

“I played with Selangor last season and I know the players well ... it might give me an advantage.”

Terengganu have also signed Lebanese midfielder Hassan Chaito, Argentine striker Gustavo Lopez and retained centreback Vincent Bikana of Cameroon for the new season.

The Turtles have also kept most of their local players, including striker Abdul Manaf Mamat, leftback Zubir Azmi and skipper Zairo Anuar Zailani. They have roped in lanky Helmi Remeli from PKNS to shore up the backline.