SEREMBAN, May 17 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) interim head coach K. Rajan hinted that he will remain with the team for the upcoming season as part of the club’s long-term plan.
However, he said that his official position within the coaching structure has yet to be finalised, although he is still included in NSFC’s plans for next season, contributing to the team’s development.
“My position is still with NSFC. Whatever the decision later, I am still part of the team’s plans for next season. Yes, I will remain because this is a long-term plan, it’s just that the exact position is not yet known,” he told reporters after the final Super League match against Kelantan The Real Warriors (TRW) here last night.
In the match at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, NSFC recorded a 2-1 victory, finishing the Super League season in seventh place with 29 points, while Kelantan TRW ended in 12th place with 15 points.
He also praised his squad’s performance this season, finishing seventh compared to 12th place last season, achieving around 60 to 70 per cent success thanks to the commitment of the players, coaching staff, management, and the strong support of the fans.
Regarding the players’ future, Rajan said all decisions will depend on the club’s evaluation after reports from the coaching staff are submitted to management.
“For now, we are giving the players a break of two to three weeks. After that, we will begin planning the team for next season. The process has already started gradually, and I believe the squad will be more complete by July,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan TRW fitness coach Kamarul Dinis Kamarudin praised the strong commitment shown by his players and staff throughout the Super League season, despite facing various internal issues that affected the team’s morale.
He also expressed pride in the fighting spirit displayed by his players, who continued to put up a strong challenge despite the team facing major constraints throughout the season.
“I told the players that this is their opportunity to showcase their abilities and promote themselves for next season. Although many are local and young players, I am satisfied with their commitment,” he said.
At the same time, he hopes the Kelantan TRW management will swiftly resolve the issue of unpaid salaries affecting players and team officials, which has impacted their welfare throughout the season.
“There are players being pursued by banks, with their cars at risk of repossession, yet they continue to play. There are foreign and local players who have even been evicted from their homes due to non-payment. We are not asking for more - we simply want the players’ rights to be fulfilled. They have families and responsibilities,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
