Can Kelantan repeat the 2012 success?
What a year for Kelantan. Winning Super League title, FA Cup title, and Malaysia Cup in one season is a terrific achievement. They are way far better than any other team this season and showed to the whole nation that they are now should be considered one of Malaysian giants. The team that consisting mostly from local talent, Kelantan started dreadfully this season, losing 2-1 narrow defeat in the hands of Negeri Sembilan in a Charity Shield and marked a slow start in the league under the English head coach Peter Butler. Couple of draws and surprise defeat put Kelantan title bid in jeopardy. Ghaddar's unimpressive start alongside Nwoha's dire performance did little to raise the team up in the table. But until the point when Peter Butler suddenly went AWOL and both him and Kelantan decided to part ways in the middle of the season, the appointment of Bojan Hodak marked a significant impact to Kelantan season, try to overturn Kelantan's fate in the process When they brought in tough defender Obinna Nwaneri and rejuvenate Ghaddar's form, everything begin to turn in favour of them. First, they beat Sime Darby to win their very first FA Cup albeit from a Ghaddar's penalty goal. Second, they keep pushing to win as many league matches as possible to overtake Lions XII first place position who sit first in most of the season. They did so finally, even beating Lions XII ruthlessly to earn the first spot in the league table and thus defended the title they win in previous season. In Malaysia Cup, they showed a scintillating form in front of the crowd, having no real trouble to qualify in the final while defeating fierce rival Selangor in semi-final round. Three wonderful assist from Piya and a great performance from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha rounded off Kelantan domination in Malaysian football. The new season will be much tougher than before, as one of their valuable striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha decides to transfer to Johor alongside Nurul Azwan Roya, S. Chanturu join Perak, Ramzul Zahini and Afiq Azmi went to rivals Selangor, as well as Ghaddar's over-the-top demand makes it harder for Kelantan in the future. They managed to sign on-loan a 20 year-old Dimitri Petratos from Hyundai A-League outfit, Sydney FC though Bojan decides to use the experience Keita Mandjou to Kelantan's attack. Unlike any other team in the Super League, Kelantan does not have to rely heavily with one certain player to score goals, as Piya, Farhan and Indra combination are proved to be a deadly attacking trio. The whole Kelantan team deserves to play at the highest level given their magnificent ability in football, but went largely uncredited from Malaysia national coach, K. Rajagobal who were overlook the majority of Kelantan player before losing expectedly to neighbours Thailand. Despite the loss of key players, Kelantan remains favourites to win 2013 Super League title although they have to be wary with the challenge of Johor, ATM, Lions XII, Selangor and possibly Perak in the upcoming season.
Key Player: Indra Putra Mahyuddin, Nor Farhan Mohammad, Badhri Radzi, Daudsu Jamaluddin, Shakir Shaari
Young Talented Player: Nik Shahrul Azim, Aris Zaidi, Izuan Salahuddin
2012 season: Finished 1st in Malaysia Super League
Team Chance Status: Title candidate