KUALA NERUS, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- Fans of the Turtle squad will have to put aside hopes of seeing Croatian striker Ivan Mamut in action during the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium this Friday.
Head coach Badrul Afzan Razali today confirmed that Mamut would not feature as he is still undergoing rehabilitation with Terengganu FC's (TFC) medical team.
Badrul Afzan acknowledged the fans' eagerness to see Mamut return to the pitch after nearly a year of absence due to a left leg injury sustained last season.
“He returned to Terengganu on Jan 8 but has yet to join training as he’s still in the recovery phase from last season’s injury.
“I urge fans to pray for Mamut’s speedy recovery so he can help the team in the second leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final and the remainder of the Super League season,” he said when contacted.
Despite Mamut’s absence, Badrul Afzan, a former Terengganu midfielder, assured fans that the team’s preparations remain on track. TFC still have two key foreign players, Ismaheel Akinade and Nelson Bonilla, alongside quality local forwards.
“Safawi (Muhammad Safawi Rasid) and Akhyar (Muhammad Akhyar Rashid) also won’t be available due to their agreements with Johor Darul Ta'zim.
“However, we remain determined, and the team is preparing intensively to face the country’s top-ranked side,” he added.
Last season, Mamut, nicknamed the "goal machine" by fans, delivered an impressive record of 23 goals in 35 appearances.
-- BERNAMA
