Kelantan counting on new coach to regain Super League spot

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan are hoping to rediscover their old form under new head coach Marco Ragini.

The Red Warriors are hoping for Ragini to bring in his coaching experiences from Italy and Switzerland to regain their spot in the Super League. They have been playing in the Premier League since 2019.

The San Marino native has worked under Switzerland’s national coach Vladimir Petkovic when the Serbian coached AC Bellinzona in the Swiss League in 2008.

He has also coached together with top professionals who made their names in Swiss and Italian leagues like Pajtim Kasami, Senad Lulic and Aimo Diana.

The 53-year-old, who last coached Lusitano in Protugal’s third division, completed his seven-day quarantine on Thursday, and immediately met with the coaching staff.

And his work ethic has won the admiration of team owner Norizam Tukiman.

“He has just arrived in Kelantan, and I told him to rest, but he didn’t want to, ” Norizam said on his Facebook page.

“Ragini said he didn’t fly 12,000km for a holiday, but wishes to fulfil the vision and mission of Kelantan.”

Last season, the team finished sixth in the league and were embroiled with off-field issues, which saw the side being deducted three points for failure to settle players wage.

Under Norizam, the team have settled most of their arrears and will have to pay another RM187,778.92 for 11 more players.

The last time they won a league was in 2012 when they bagged the Super League title. Their last trophy was the FA Cup when they won it in 2013.