AWARD A BIG BOOST TO SATHIANATHAN

Winning his third Coach of the Year accolade has whetted the appetite of the 59-year-old

B. SATHIANATHAN is eager and hungry for more glory at Felda United after he was voted the best coach of the 2017 MLeague season on Friday. It was a perfect gift for the former national coach as he achieved it with Felda after a 22-month break from football.

Sathianathan, who was appointed Felda coach in February, said he hopes to win many more accolades in the future.

“After resting for almost two years, it is hard to believe that I have won this award,” said Sathianathan.

“I have to thank my family and the Felda management for placing their trust in me and my abilities and most importantly the players.

“We worked extremely hard to achieve what we did and gave their full cooperation.

“After struggling in the first six (Super League) games we rose from 11th to third and also reached the Malaysia Cup semifinals.

“It was an achievement in the league as we only aimed for fourth spot.

“This is the third time I have won it but it is definitely the most meaningful for me. Although, we did not emerge champions, it was the comeback we did that makes this so memorable.”

Despite a good finish in the Super League, Felda were demoted to the Premier League for failing to meet the competition’s regulation of securing a club licence.

The 59-year-old, who previously won the coach of the year award in 2010 and 2012, is now determined to secure Felda an immediate return to the Super League and he is also eying cup glory.

“The goal is to win the Premier League and secure promotion to the Super League. Hopefully, we can also win one cup, either the Malaysia Cup or FA Cup,” he added.