Kipre has done enough for Turtles to keep him
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu’s Kipre Tchetche can breathe a sigh of relief after coach Irfan Bakti said he would not be offloaded in the transfer window.
Although the Ivorian striker has scored three goals in his last two matches, Terengganu gave him an ultimatum to deliver against Petaling Jaya City on Saturday to stay in the team.
The 31-year-old duly obliged by heading in the Turtles’ winning goal in the 2-1 win at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
“If he performs like that, how to let him go,” said a delighted Irfan.
“The old Tchetche is back. He’s taking on players, dictating the tempo of the game and his shots still packs a wallop.
“He will remain in the team. Terengganu will not make any signings in the second transfer window (May 2-29).”
Tchetche said he prayed every day and worked hard in training to make sure he gets back his form.
“I never lost faith in my abilities. I knew I would be back at my best and I thank God for my recent form,” he said.
“I could have scored at least two more against PJ but I’m happy with my performance. I’m also happy with the three points.
“I am going to take one game at a time and help Terengganu do well in the league and Cup competitions.”
Meanwhile, Irfan said they gave PJ City too much space in the firsthalf.
“After the break, I brought off defensive midfielder Thierry (Chantha Bin) and allowed Lee Tuck to be a deep-lying playmaker.
“That gave us lots of room to attack and it paid off.”
The East Coast side are seventh in the Super League table with 15 points while PJ City are still 10th with eight points.
Their next match will be against Pahang in the FA Cup first leg quarter-final at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium on Wednesday.