KUALA LUMPUR — Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC head coach, Mohd Nafuzi Zain, has called on the club’s management to swiftly address internal problems to prevent the team from becoming the ‘whipping boys’ of the Super League.
Following KDA’s crushing 0-5 loss to Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC last night, Nafuzi expressed concern that if the situation is not resolved soon, the team’s challenges will only deepen.
He also warned that more key players could leave the club, following the departures of Habib Haroon and Fikri Che Soh.
“As head coach, I need the best players in every match to secure wins. I understand the struggles the players have faced from the start, as the circumstances have not been ideal. Still, they’ve remained committed all this time,” Nafuzi said during the post-match press conference.
“The players are in a difficult situation, and I just hope these issues are addressed quickly so we can retain talent and bring in new players,” he added, acknowledging that the adversity is helping him grow as a coach.
Despite the heavy defeat, Nafuzi highlighted that the match was a valuable learning experience for the young players who stepped up in the absence of senior squad members.
KDA FC’s main squad had earlier boycotted training over unpaid salaries, forcing Nafuzi to field a team largely composed of players under 20, many of whom had recently competed in the 2024 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Sarawak.
In last night’s game, KL City dominated with goals from Jovan Motika (14’), Zhafri Yahya (26’), and captain Paulo Josue (49’, 59’). Hazrie Balqief Zulhadi’s own goal (23’) added to KDA’s woes, giving the City Boys a comfortable victory.
Though Josue was denied a hat-trick due to his header deflecting off Hazrie for the own goal, the naturalised striker still made history by becoming the club’s all-time top scorer with 68 goals, surpassing Singaporean Fandi Ahmad’s record of 67 goals.
KL City head coach, Miroslav Kuljanac, praised his players for their dedication despite reportedly facing similar salary issues as their opponents.
“I am very happy with my players, they’re still playing and believe everything will be okay.
“Yes, it was a good ‘training’ and preparation for the next game. Winning 5-0 is enough, no need to go 100% against these youngsters. Some coaches like to smash them, but they don’t deserve this, they also play for their club.
“I think the result is okay, that’s how I see football, other coaches may push players to give more, they play well, we play how we need, that’s all. Congratulations to them to play for their club, I appreciate it, I know they’re in a difficult situation,” he said. — September 15, 2024