KOTA BAHRU (5 Jan 2012) – Ambitious Kelantan have set nothing less than the AFC Cup 2012 title alongside the other domestic trophies at stake as their target for the new Malaysian League season which will kick off in two days.
“We have been one of the better local teams over the past few seasons. It is only natural that we aim higher this season,” said Tan Sri Annuar Musa, the president of the Kelantan FA (KAFA).
“The AFC Cup is a new competition for Kelantan but despite the inexperience, we expect our team to make an immediate impact. We have signed four import players just to be competitive in this tournament,” said Annuar.
Other than welcoming the return of former stalwarts Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Azizi Matt Rose and Norfarhan Mohd, the east coast side have also contracted four foreign players in Lebanese internationals Mohammed Ghaddar, Zakaria Charara and Ghana’s Denny Antwi and Emmanuel Okine.
“Coach Peter (Butler) has been informed that Kelantan must achieve their best season ever this year. We want to be better than last season, where we came close to winning all four titles in the country,” added Tan Sri Annuar.
Last season, Kelantan picked up the season opening Charity Shield and Super League while emerging as runners-up in the FA Cup. In the Malaysia Cup, the Kelantan side only managed the quarter-finals. Kelantan will begin their campaign with the Charity Shield match against Negri Sembilan on 7 January at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
