TURTLES MOVE FAST TO KEEP COACH

Terengganu offer Irfan new contract following Malaysia Cup exploits

WORRIED that their beloved coach, Irfan Bakti Abu Salim is tempted away by other teams following their Malaysia Cup exploits this season, Terengganu have moved fast by offering the master tactician a new contract.

The good news was announced by Terengganu FA (TFA) deputy president, Hishamuddin Abdul Karim during a press conference at the association’s headquarters yesterday.

The announcement l put an end to speculations linking Irfan Bakti to several teams including that of his home state of Perak and Kuala Lumpur.

Hishamuddin said: “Irfan has managed to lead the team to the Malaysia Cup final this season and this is more than enough for him to be given the mandate to continue to lead the team for next season as well,”

Terengganu fans were anxiously waiting to see if the association would keep faith in the 67-yearold much travelled coach.

They will be relieved to know that he has been offered a new contract to continue for next season after leading the Turtles to the Malaysia Cup final.

Hishamuddin also announced that Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan will continue as coach for Terengganu II (TFC II) for next season where they will play in the third-tier FAM Cup after finishing bottom of the Premier League.

TFC II were crowned champions of the inaugural Challenge Cup at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on

Oct 15 after defeating Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2-0 in the return leg of the final for a 4-2 aggregate win.