KUALA NERUS – Terengganu FC (TFC) chief coach Nafuzi Zain said he had to make a hard decision to deny five of his players permission to join the national team for the Hanoi SEA Games from May 12 to 23.
Nafuzi said he was happy that his players had been called up for national duty but felt that their services were more needed by the Turtles.
He said the five were key players of TFC and their absence would adversely affect the team’s play.
“I’m not the type who likes to restrict players. In fact, I’m proud that Terengganu players have gained recognition to represent the country.
“But for now, TFC’s position in the league is still not secure. I need their services to advance, and we don’t have enough players to replace them,” he said when met here today.
The five called up by national head coach Brad Maloney for SEA Games duty are Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat, Azam Azmi Murad, Syafiq Ismail, Hairiey Hakim and goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim.
Nafuzi said he had discussed the matter with the five players before making his decision and they understood the situation.
“I also contacted Maloney and he accepted my decision and appreciated our problem,” he added.
In the SEA Games football competition beginning May 6, Malaysia have been drawn in Group B together with Thailand, Singapore and Laos. – Bernama, April 23, 2022
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