Coach Zainal aims to bring back glory days of Melaka

PETALING JAYA: New head coach Zainal Abidin Hassan (pic) is hellbent on bringing back the glory days of Melaka by doing well in the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.

The former Penang coach was appointed to helm Melaka United on Nov 14 following the state’s dismal performance this season.

In the Super League, Melaka finished seventh behind teams like Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Perak, PKNS FC, Terengganu and Kedah.

The team did not fare well in cup tournaments as they were eliminated in the third round of FA Cup and group stages of the Malaysia Cup.

The former Malaysian international said his first duty was to make sure that the young and experienced players in the squad were able to blend with one another.

“I need to whip them into shape. Melaka United last won a title in 2016 when they won the Premier League. It is time to rekindle that success by fighting in all the competitions in 2019,” said Zainal.

“I want this team to do much better than last season. I’ve spoken to some players to bolster the squad but I cannot reveal the names yet. On Monday, the coaching staff will be sending the list of players to the president and committee,” said Zainal.

He is Melaka’s fourth coach since 2016. Two mediocre seasons in the Malaysian Super League has seen the Melaka management appointing three different coaches - Eric Williams, Eduardo Almeida and E. Elavarasan - in the last two years.

When asked how he was going to ensure Melaka’s success, Zainal said he would work game-by-game to motivate his players.

“The committee led by Melaka chief minister Adly Zahari, who is also the president, have been very supportive. I want to repay their faith by doing well in 2019.”

As coach and manager, the 57-year-old has won the FA Cup in 2006 and 2016, Charity Shield in 2014 and Malaysia Cup in 2014 with Pahang.

Zainal also revealed that Melaka were negotiating with Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun, who scored 14 goals in 15 matches for them last season.

“We’ve agreed on the terms unofficially with several new local and foreign players. The squad will be finalised by the first week of December. We’ll reveal the squad to the fans soon,” he added.

I need to whip them into shape. Melaka United last won a title in 2016. It is time to rekindle that success by fighting in all the competitions in 2019.

Zainal Abidin Hassan