TFC Dedicate First Win To Supporters

KUALA NERUS, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Terengganu FC (TFC) head coach Mohd Nafuzi Zain dedicated the team's 3-0 victory over Melaka FC in their opening Super League match at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (SSMZA) last night to their loyal supporters.

He expressed his appreciation to more than 6,000 fans who turned up at the stadium to cheer on the Turtles, saying their support had provided the team with a major boost.

"I would also like to congratulate the players for showing great commitment from the start. I believe this victory is a gift to the fans who came to show their support.

"Although we won 3-0, it was not an easy game as Melaka have an experienced head coach and played well. But starting the league campaign with three points is a positive result and will give us the confidence to build momentum in the matches ahead," he told reporters after the match.

However, the former national under-23 head coach acknowledged that there were still plenty of areas to improve to ensure the Turtles can mount a strong challenge in the league.

He said hard work and strong team spirit were essential ingredients for a team's long-term success.

Meanwhile, Melaka FC head coach E. Elavarasan admitted that the difference in quality between the two teams' foreign players was a key factor in Sang Kancil's heavy defeat to the Turtles.

However, he is confident the team's performance will improve in the coming matches with the arrival of four new foreign players soon.

"TFC also have a number of experienced local players as well as members of the national under-23 squad.

"Many of their local players have been together in Terengganu for a long time, so they have developed a good understanding. The same goes for foreign players such as Manuel Ott and Habib Haroon, who have previously worked with Nafuzi for a long time. They are already familiar with his approach and understand his style of play," he said.

-- BERNAMA