SUPER GIFT FOR SHARBINEE

Goalkeeper inspired Terengganu to success

AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

GOALKEEPER Sharbinee Allawee Ramli was on coach Irfan Bakti’s mind when Terengganu confirmed promotion to the Super League following the 3-0 win over Police in a Premier League game at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on Tuesday.

Sharbinee, who has nine international caps, was de-registered by Terengganu during the midseason transfer window after the 30-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer.

“I dedicate our success to Sharbinee. He inspired us in many ways and our promotion success is a gift to him,” said an emotional Irfan yesterday.

Irfan said Sharbinee has completed his chemotherapy sessions and is now on the right track towards making a full recovery.

“We pray for him everyday and it is good that he is now showing positive signs. Sharbinee has started rehabilitation to strengthen his heart and lungs.

“However, we are still unsure whether he will return to professional football next season. We are still waiting for his doctor to give the clearance,” said the coach.

Irfan, who is on a season long contract, attributed the team’s success to the state government and his move to sign new players during the midseason transfer window.

“We received good support from the state government. The players were dedicated as their salaries and bonuses were paid on time.

“This achievement is actually my third in terms of guiding a team from the Premier League to the Super League. I did so with Telekom Melaka in 2004 and Felda United in 2014.

“People say I am a coach with the Midas Touch...this must be true,” he said.

On his contract, Irfan said he is a journeyman and he will only think about his future after his current term ends on Nov 30.

“We have one more Premier League match against Perak SEDC on Oct 27 and we have to collect three points from it in order to have a chance of winning the title.

“KL and us are equal on points at the top of the standings but they have superior goal difference. But I think it is still open as KL have to play Johor in their final game.

“As for my contract, I will see how it goes. Whether I stay or not depends on the management. I will take a short holiday after the season and decide later,” said Irfan. Sharbinee Allawee Ramli and not just fill the role of a reserve.

“However, it all depends on each and every one of them. If they are confident in themselves and their abilities, they can choose to remain with their current teams, but if they feel it would be a tall order, I am of the opinion they should go out and join another team which could be the best move for them,” he said when contacted by Berita Harian report yesterday.

At the same time, the former international is of the opinion that such a situation could cause problems for the national team because such players who could be good would not have enough match experience under their belts to merit selection for the national team.

“If they do not play at all, for sure the national coach will not select them for national duty because he will not know how capable they really are even though they are actually very talented.

“So, it won’t just be the players careers that will be adversely affected, but our national team will also lose out on having the services of potentially valuable players.

It is clear such a situation will not benefit any party at all,” he said. Syafiq Aznan