KUALA TERENGGANU – A total of 10 players, including local stars and two foreign players, are leaving the Terengganu football team.
Terengganu, last year’s FA champions and Malaysia Cup runners-up, have recently been beset by controversies.
Goalkeeper Ahmad Sharbinee Allawee, defender Muslim Ahmad, striker Abdul Hadi Yahya as well as midfielders Joseph Kalang Tie, Reeshafiq Alwi and Shukor Jusoh are among those who are leaving.
The contracts for foreign players Francis Forkey Doe and Erison Da Silva, which runs until November, will not be renewed.
The others dropped are defender Hariri Mohd Shafie and striker Ailim Fahmi Kamaruddin.
Terengganu FA president Datuk Che Mat Jusoh explained in the case of Ahmad and Muslim, the FA have allowed them to leave to search for fresh starts after the recent controversies.
“Both players told us they needed to seek a new challenge following all that has happened in the last few weeks. We wish them all the best as they have served the team well,” he told pressmen after meeting all the players for more than four hours yesterday.
He added Joseph would most probably return to Sarawak, but it would depend on whether Sarawak still want him.
“As for the other players, they have not told us which team they will sign for,” said Che Mat.
Ahmad, Muslim and Ismail Faruqi were fined RM1,000 each for indiscipline while coach Peter Butler was suspended for six months and fined 15% of his salary for highlighting the issues. Terengganu was also investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for alleged match-fixing but were cleared.
Meanwhile, Che Mat said Marzuki Sulong has been appointed the new team manager while Zulkifli Ali will be the assistant manager.
“The new management will decide on whom to appoint on the coaching staff, including a new head coach. We expect the new head coach will be local,” he said.
Che Mat conceded that the Turtles are losing some of their star players but added that the FA have shortlisted a few players they wanted for next season.
“Some of the players we are scouting for are currently playing in the Malaysia Cup,” he said.
Asked whether the Terengganu FA would be open to allow Terengganu-born players such as Hairuddin Omar, Norfarhan Mohamad and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, to play for Terengganu, Che Mat said the doors were always open.
“However, they must accept any conditions we impose on them,” he said.
Asked on Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said’s displeasure over the FA’s recent decisions, Che Mat claimed the Mentri Besar accepted the decision.
“There is no problem with him (Ahmad). Our negotiations with him have gone well,” he said.-TheStarOnline
