It’s a slow return but Saarvindran believes Turtles can win race

Sleeping giants Terengganu have what it takes to end the season with a silverware.

Their winger D. Saarvindran, who has shed a few kilograms during the movement control order, said they are chomping at the bit to make a successful return in the Super League.

The east coast side under the guidance of former international Nafuzi Zain, are currently eighth in the 12-team standings with four points following a win, a draw and a defeat.

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have proposed that the Super League resume on Sept 1 with a one round seven-match fixture to decide the winner while the Malaysia Cup will be held in a knockout format.

The Turtles have a match in hand after their tie against Petaling Jaya City on March 14 was called off due to stadium unavailability and Saarvindran believes they hold a slight advantage over the other teams.

“We have a good coach in Nafuzi. As a former international, he understands our needs and it’s easy to work under him.

“He believes in our ability and that makes us go the extra mile for him,” said the Klang local.

“We have a good balance in the team and the local youngsters are very talented, what they lack is experience.

“We can depend on them and they will be key when we play two matches in a week. Skipper Lee Tuck is a great role model with his high work rate and fighting spirit. We also have Sanjar Shaakhmedov, our creative spark, who partners well with Tuck.

“Due to the three-month layoff, we have a lot of catching up to do but it won’t be too hard as everyone has followed the training programmes at home during the MCO.”

The 27-year-old former Harimau Muda player said the key to ending Terengganu’s nine-year title drought is to stay focused when the season resumes.

“In the next few months, we need to make sure we are in the best condition. Playing two matches a week is tough but if we rest properly, watch our diet and keep giving 100% we will have a good chance to win a trophy this year.

“The Malaysia Cup is a knockout competition with 16 teams, which means we will have to play four matches to reach the final. It’s something we are capable of.”

Terengganu last won the Cup in 2001 and were runners-up in 1973, 1982, 1998, 2011 and 2018.

Last year, they made it to the quarter-finals.