Irfan confident Turtles will impress in new season

PETALING JAYA: Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti is happy with the way his team are shaping up for the M-League next season.

The Turtles, who gained promotion to the top flight Super League after finishing runners-up in the Premier League, are tasked with winning at least one trophy when the season begins in February.

The east coast’s last silverware was the FA Cup in 2011 under his guidance and the 66-year-old coach reckons that his side could end their wait next year thanks to their new signings.

Terengganu have retained Ivory Coast forward Kipre Tchetche and signed English midfielder Lee Tuck, Montenegrin defender Igor Zonjic, South Korean forward Kim Hyunwoo and Cambodian midfielder Thierry Chantha Bin to bolster the squad.

They have also signed Penang’s nippy winger Ashari Samsudin and Kuantan FA’s hotshot Abdul Malik Mat Ariff to beef up the squad.

Irfan said the new signings’ familiarity with the local league will be a big advantage for their title assault.

“I’m pleased with our signings. We have more quality now and the good thing is most of them have played in the M-League so they know what to expect,” said Irfan yesterday.

“Hyun-woo was with the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP), Tuck was with Negri Sembilan and Malik played for Kuantan.

“I know what they are capable of and they are beginning to gel with the other players.

“Ashari played under me before in 2011 and I think he can be a valuable asset to us. Thierry is Cambodia’s skipper and it shows in his quality.”

Terengganu have been training since Dec 4 and Irfan said that he is in the midst of getting the team play as a unit.

“The boys are working hard in training and I see that they are mixing well.

“I believe by January all the players will be on the same page on our style of play.”