PETALING JAYA: Terengganu have bolstered their squad ahead of the Super League campaign by snapping up Pahang’s Saiful Jamaluddin and Baqiuddin Shamsuddin but it will not be plain sailing for them.
Both Saiful and Baqiuddin, who had been without a team following Pahang’s decision to pull out from the new season, can expect keen internal rivalry to make the first 11 with the Turtles.
The 23-year-old Saiful is set for stiff competition with seasoned campaigner Akram Mahinan for a spot in the defensive midfield.
Saiful, known for his work rate, is unfazed by the challenge.
“Akram is a vastly experienced player and he is my senior, but I look forward to a healthy rivalry,” said Saiful.
Eager for action: Saiful Jamaluddin posing for a photograph after signing for Terengganu. — Terengganu FC
“I’m happy to be with Terengganu as they’re one of the best sides in the league. They have strong players and great facilities.”
Saiful added that it was the right move for him as he would have familiar faces in the dressing room such as his Malaysian Under-23 teammates – defenders Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili, Safwan Mazlan and Azam Azmi Murad and former teammate Asnan Ahmad.
Meanwhile, the experienced winger Baqiuddin, 30, brings depth and versatility to Terengganu’s attacking options on the flanks.
A proven performer in the Super League, Baqiuddin is under no illusions about the competition he faces.
“It would be a fierce competition because there isn’t just Akhyar Rashid. I’ve to take on Syahmi Zamri, Nik Shareef Haseefy, and Engku Shakir Nur Yakob,” said Baqiuddin.
“But that’s what excites me. I’m happy to continue with this professional journey in a great club like Terengganu.
“This is my first time under coach Badrul (Afzan Razali), so I have to work hard to adapt to his ways and show that I can compete against the other wingers in the team.”
With these two additions, Terengganu have signalled their intent to remain highly competitive in the league while continuing to blend youthful talent with seasoned professionals.
As for foreign players, it is learnt that the club could be signing attackers from Cameroon and France and a centreback from Brazil.
They have also been linked with former Perak playmaker Careca, who is now with South Korean Division Three club Gangneung.
The 29-year-old Careca played for Perak, from 2018 to 2020, and scored 11 goals in 30 games.
Terengganu have released all their foreigners except for Uzbekistan midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov, who has penned a one-year extension with the Turtles.
