Adieu: Terengganu coach Nafuzi Zain is thinking of leaving after completing his term this season.
PETALING JAYA: The year 2022 could be Nafuzi Zain’s ‘last dance’ as a coach with Terengganu.
The 42-year-old has indicated his intent to leave after his team defeated Penang 3-0 in the Super League match at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday.
Last weekend, the Turtles lost 1-3 to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the FA Cup final but despite the defeat, the fans have urged the club to retain Nafuzi for a few more years as they were happy with the progress he had shown with the young Terengganu boys.
Even though the defeat was painful, they felt Nafuzi had what it takes to win a trophy with them in the upcoming season with his brand of football, which is popularly known as ‘Nafuzi-Ball’.
But it looks like that will not come to fruition based on Nafuzi’s latest statements.
“I’m not discounting the possibility that this could be my last season with the team. I see it as a high possibility,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“I’m thankful to the supporters who’ve been with me through thick and thin. Earlier this year, when the club didn’t offer the extension, lots of fans demanded it, and eventually, the club made it happen.
“Until now, the fans are behind me. Maybe, now the time is ripe for me for a new challenge. I love Terengganu, but for my coaching career, I might need a new challenge.
“Until the end of the season, I will give my best and ensure Terengganu qualify for the continental stage next year.”
In the game against Penang, Tchetche Kipre was the hero with two goals in the 47th and 90th minute, while Faisal Halim scored the first goal in the 36th minute.
Petrus Shitembi was also the show stealer as he assisted in all three goals.
The win sees Terengganu moving to fourth with 32 points from 18 matches.
Nafuzi admitted that he was worried that his team would be demoralised after the FA Cup final defeat but instead showed character after the game.
“I thought they would be mentally down, which was my worry, but it was proven otherwise.
“They showed amazing character against Penang,” said Nafuzi.
“I guess the pain helped the players to bounce back. Shitembi, with his three assists, showed his quality.
“Last season, he went through a tough time with injury, but this season, you can see his individual skills and quality.”
