GEORGE TOWN – Bottom-placed Penang FA in the Malaysian (Football) Super League has turned to former star striker Zainal Abidin Hassan to change their fortunes midway into the season as the northerners look for their first win of the season.
Zainal Abidin Hassan, a household striker in the 1990s, who with fellow coach Dollah Salleh terrorised many sides in the past, replaces Czech Thomas Trucha, who was unable to rejuvenate the side despite faring well in the top tier domestic league last year.
Penang executive councillor Soon Lip Chee told journalists here that Zainal Abidin would take over the team on an interim basis until the season ends.
The team seems to be emulating English Premier League giants Manchester United, who also changed coaches midstream but faltered miserably this season.
This is the second time Penang has turned to Zainal Abidin, having hired him to coach the side in 2017 until 2018.
Penang, who finished third in the Super League last year, is now anchored at the foot of the 12 - team table after eight games, with three draws and five losses.
There are 14 more games left in the season.
Penang FC general manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam was also on hand to greet the new coach after the signing ceremony took place at the sidelines of the now concluded state legislative assembly sitting here.
“We give him time to know his players. He needs to know their strengths and weaknesses,” Chew said.
Chew has lined up a few friendlies before the league play resumes.
Penang will face Selangor and neighbours Kedah and Perak soon to allow Zainal Abidin a chance to assess the team.
Among those who wished Zainal Abidin well, was PKR secretary - general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail who posed for a photograph with the legend at the Royale Chulan Hotel in Weld Quay here.
The 60-year Zainal Abidin said that he was not a magician, but he would work hard to turn around the team.
“In order too do so, I need the support of everyone in Penang,” said Zainal Abidin.
He is expected to galvanise foreign players such as Filipino-Italian defender Christian Mangaron Rontini to improve his form here – The Vibes, June 4, 2022.
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