FRESH BREATH FOR KELANTAN

KELANTAN coach B.Sathianathan did not waste time in signing players for the new season. The former national coach who only spent four days in Kuala Lumpur was on his way back to Kota Baru as Norshahrul Talaha, Akmal Rizal and Mohd Shakir Shaari will be signing up with Kelantan on Saturday at the KB Mall.

"We need to strengthen the team and with these players I hope we will be able to achieve more success, it is important to have a balanced team. I am sure the players will give their best." said Sathianathan who met up with JAIHO during his trip to Kuala Lumpur

Akmal Rizal, who was once dubbed as a prolific striker lost his sting after a couple of injuries and operations. Akmal spent a couple of years with the Under-14 national squad which was then coached by Amin and Holger Obermann.

It was in 1995 and then 1997 when Akmal was roped into the World Youth Squad where his true potential was unleashed. His exposure in France and Germany will surely come in handy and the fact that Akmal decided to play for Kelantan is only a challenge for him to get a place in the national squad.

Shakir who played for UPB My Team is expected to revive his career in his home town. Norshahrul Talaha having played for Sathianathan when he was managing the national team, is also part of the integral plan in taking Kelantan to higher levels.

JAIHO hopes the investment made on the trio will bear fruit in due time.