KUALA NERUS: Terengganu have no plans to make changes to their coaching setup for now, despite the team languishing in ninth place in the 12-team Super League standings.
Terengganu State Football Association president Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said sacking head coach Nafuzi Zain or placing him on gardening leave would not be the best solution to addressing the team’s poor performance in the league this season.
Hishamuddin, who is also Terengganu Youth Development, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation Committee chairman, said discussions had been held with the club’s management for the coaching staff to submit an action plan ahead of the team’s next three league matches – against Brunei (Nov 20), Negri Sembilan (Nov 28) and Kelantan (Dec 11).
“Terengganu’s failure to pick up points in several matches has certainly been disappointing.
“As such, we have conducted an assessment and held discussions with the club management to come up with an action plan for the next three matches.
“We will also call the head coach for a face-to-face meeting next week to discuss the issues involved.
“The club will also issue an official statement on the team’s direction soon,” he said.
Hishamuddin said sacking the coaching staff could also worsen the club’s current financial crisis.
He said although Nafuzi would still be given another opportunity, the coaching staff must demonstrate commitment and make immediate improvements to win back the support of the club’s fans.
He added that besides addressing the team’s poor performances, they are also working to resolve a player transfer ban imposed by FIFA before the second transfer window opens next January.
“We have a huge responsibility to settle all these issues.
“That is why we have had to cut the club’s expenditure, which has, to some extent, affected the team’s performance.
“At the same time, many are asking us to spend lavishly when there are issues that need to be resolved.
“These are matters we must address. That’s why we initially considered taking a step back to resolve these issues.
“However, given the strong demand for us to remain in the Super League, we decided to continue and do our best,” he added.
The reputation of the Turtles, appears to be on the decline, with the team managing just one win in six Super League matches, besides failing to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals this season.
The disappointing run has left them ninth in the league standings with just five points from six matches. — Bernama
