Kuala Muda Naza opt for youthful coach

GEORGE TOWN: Newly-promoted Kuala Muda Naza are known for their policy of relying on old hands.

The backbone of the squad who lifted the 2007-08 Premier League title is made up of hardened veterans, among them Anuar Jusoh, B. Rajnikandh, Manzoor Azwira, Azizon Abdul Kadir and Liew Kit Kong.

So, it came as a surprise when the club’s management opted for a youthful coach for their Super League campaign next season.

Thirty-seven-year-old Brazilian Stefano Cugurra was hired to replace K. Devan, who left the Kedah club side to join Selangor last month.

Cugurra, better known as Teco, is no stranger to this part of the world. He joins Kuala Muda after a four-year stint as the coach of the Surabaya-based Indonesian outfit Persebaya FC.

Teco dismisses the notion that Kuala Muda are an aging side who would find it tough to keep up with the big boys in their debut in the top flight.

“Age is of no concern to me. My fellow countryman, Romario, was 42 when he scored in the Brazilian League while Pele was only 17 when he weaved his magic at the World Cup.

“I heard people talk about Kuala Muda having old players. But as long as the player is fit and able to perform on the pitch, I have no complaints,” said Teco.