KUALA LUMPUR – Due to various factors, including financial constraints, Super League side Penang FC have once again parted ways with club legend Merzagua Abderrazak.
Club general manager Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam told Scoop today that the Moroccan’s contract as technical director was not renewed at the end of December last year.
This marks the third time Penang have had to part ways with Merzagua, who first served the club as a player in the 1990s before returning as head coach from 2012 to 2013.
“With all due respect to Merzagua, he had big plans for the club and wanted to do a lot. Unfortunately, the timing was not right.
“There were also several factors to consider, including financial matters,” said Jeffrey.
During his previous stint as head coach, Merzagua led the Black Panthers to the 2013 FAM League title, securing promotion to the Malaysia Premier League. However, he was unable to continue coaching the team as he did not possess the required coaching licence.
Merzagua later obtained the necessary licence and returned to the club as technical director in January 2024, but his tenure was cut short after just a year.
Jeffrey confirmed that Merzagua’s replacement as technical director would be a former national player and coach.
“Yes, I can confirm that the new technical director is local. He is a former national player and coach. I can’t reveal his name just yet, but we will make an announcement soon,” he added.
Penang currently sit ninth in the Malaysian Super League, with three matches remaining this season. – March 22, 2025