Tchetche ends Turtles’ winless run
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu skipper Kipre Tchetche is glad to halt his side’s three-match winless run.
The injury-hit Turtles stunned hosts Pahang 1-0 in their Super League clash, thanks to midfielder Faiz Nasir’s winner in the 62nd minute at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Friday.
Terengganu’s Super League campaign took a dent after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kedah on April 27, suffered a 3-1 loss at home to Pahang on May 1 before being edged 3-2 by Perak on May 6.
Tchetche, who is recovering from a thigh injury, said he is only 60% recovered from his injury but needed to play as his team needed him.
“We were on a slide since we have a number of players injured and suspended. I could not see my team continue to suffer, so I decided to play and I’m really glad that my gamble paid off,” said the Ivory Coast striker yesterday.
“I’m still feeling some pain and it’s worse when I kick the ball but I feel I can still contribute to the team. It felt OK when I run and I can hold up the ball for my teammates.
“My hold-up game got us the winner against Pahang, so I’m happy. But now I must focus on recovery to be ready for our game next week.
“This is an important win for us after we couldn’t get the results in our last three matches. I hope this win will restore the players’ confidence and we must work on keeping up the winning momentum.”
The Turtles’ win over their East Coast derby rivals left them with 15 points from 10 matches and fourth place in the 12-team Super League while Pahang are third with 18 points.
Tchetche added that his teammates were fired up for a win in Kuantan after going down 3-1 to Pahang in Kuala Terengganu earlier this month.
“We suffered a heavy loss at home to Pahang, we all want to prove that they too can be defeated in front of their supporters.
“We played with aggression and our initial target was to get a point but we felt we can push them all the way for the full points after getting our lead,” said the 30-year-old striker.