Zainal’s the man
FAP hire experienced coach to steer team off the bottom
GEORGE TOWN: Penang have appointed former Selangor coach Zainal Abidin Hassan as their head coach to help the Panthers claw back up from their bottom position in the Super League.
Zainal, 54, brings with him more than three decades of experience as a player and coach and is expected to come up with a new strategy to lift the demoralised Penang team.
His appointment was officially announced by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Football Association of Penang (FAP) president Zairil Khir Johari at Komtar yesterday.
Zairil, in welcoming Zainal, said the FAP were looking forward to working with the legendary player to bring the team to greater heights.
“I’ve closely watched the rise of his career, both as a player and coach, and his stints with Pahang and Selangor who won several league titles under his leadership,” said Zairil.
Zainal replaces former head coach Ashley Westwood whose services were terminated recently.
The Panthers have been on a winless streak since the start of the league, losing six games and drawing two in eight matches.
There have been clarion calls for a major revamp of the FAP.
Zairil said the team had good players and Zainal’s task is to keep the team in the league at the end of the season.
“I’m confident we’ve found the right person to head the team and help them move forward.”
Zainal said he was a fan of the Penang team and there were good players he could work with to help salvage the side’s season.
“I won’t make any assumptions on how I’m going to do things until I’ve met all the players and started my training.”
“Helping the team is a responsi- bility by all, including the fans who must stand by the team to boost the players’ morale.”
Zainal will take over officially as Penang’s head coach on Mar 27.