Azraai Confirmed As New Kelantan Coach, Boateng Moves Up

24 Mac, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Mohd Azraai Khor has confirmed that he is the new head coach of Kelantan.

George Boateng, who was appointed coach last season, has been re-designated as the Kelantan FA’s senior head coach and technical director.

Boateng will take on an advisory role as well as oversee the training and development of coaching staff at all levels.

The Red Warriors are in seventh spot in the 12-team Super League after only recording two wins from five matches.

This is believed to have forced the team management to revamp the coaching set-up.

Azraai, who led Kedah to back-to-back treble (Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup) in 2006-07 and 2007-08, said that Kelantan had the quality to win silverware this season.

The 62-year-old coach also said that Kelantan’s situation “is similar to Negri Sembilan when I guided them to their third Malaysia Cup title in 2011”.

“Kelantan have a strong squad with good foreigner and national players but they are not consistent. It was the same when I joined Negri,” said Azraai on Tuesday.

“I hope I can motivate the players the same way. I’m familiar with the Kelantan players ... some of them used to play for me, so it’ll be easier for me to work with the team.”

Azraai’s first task will be to get Kelantan ready for the east coast derby against Terengganu in Kuala Terengganu on April 4. This will be followed by the FA Cup quarter-final first-leg match against Sime Darby in Kuala Lumpur on April 7.

“My target is to win a trophy and finish in top four this season. I think we have a good chance of winning the FA Cup as we are in the last eight,” he said.

Sumber - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my