UNCERTAINTY OVER CHENG HOE

Kedah set to take on Terengganu with coach in the stands

AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

KEDAH’s poor form of late due to their coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s decision to resign could lead to further embarrassment when they face Premier League side Terengganu in the first leg of the FA Cup semi-finals in Alor Star today.

Kedah have been disorientated since Cheng Hoe tendered his resignation on March 31. The team have been winless in their last four matches.

There could be another blow for the Kedah players as Cheng Hoe may not be on the bench today as terms have already been agreed with the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for his release to become the national assistant coach.

As for Terengganu, coach Irfan Bakti wants his team to take advantage of Kedah’s poor form in Alor Star.

The east coast side have ousted two Super League teams in TTeam and Sarawak en route to the semi-finals and Irfan believes his side can do it again to become only the seventh Premier League side to reach the final.

Cheng Hoe said there are talks that he will not be on the bench in today’s match.

“I am confused with the current situation. I have yet to receive my release letter from the Kedah FA (KFA) but I heard I may not be incharge of the match,” Cheng Hoe told Timesport yesterday.

“KFA are likely to inform me about this anytime soon. I am okay with any decision. As for now, I am still coaching Kedah and preparing them for tomorrow.

“I have told the players that whether I am on the bench or not, I want them to focus on the mission and go on and achieve the team’s target of winning the FA Cup.”

For the record, Kedah have not won the FA Cup since the 200708 season.

Right-back Rizal Ghazali is suspended and Akram Mahinan is expected to replace him today. Other players are available.

“We have been winless but the players showed progress in the 11 draw with Perak in Ipoh last Wednesday. The FA Cup is unpredictable and I hope the team will take full advantage of playing at home for a healthy win.

“We must not concede away goals. Terengganu are a balanced team with good foreign players in attack.

“Irfan is an experienced coach and an excellent tactician. We need to be cautious as Terengganu are coming into the match as underdogs,” Cheng Hoe added.

Irfan said his team will be slightly on a defensive mode today.

“We respect Kedah as they are one of the top teams in the Super League. But we hope to take advantage of Kedah’s bad patch for a good result.

“The key is not to concede goals and this can be achieved by playing slightly defensive. Kedah are very strong in attack… we need to find a way to stop Kosovo’s Lirindon Krasniqi, Syazwan Zainon and Baddrol Bakhtiar from playing their game.

“Playing in the Premier League is not a disadvantage to us. My players know what it takes to play a top team as they have tasted Super League football in the past,” said Irfan, who led Terengganu to the FA Cup crown in 2011.

Terengganu, however, have to reshuffle following the suspensions of Uzbekistan midfielder Lutfulla Turaev and captain Abdul Latiff Suhaimi.

“Their absence is slightly a blow… I hope their replacements will be able to fit in efficiently and offer an impact in terms of ball distribution,” Irfan added.