SHAH ALAM, Nov 1 — Kelantan Head Coach Bojan Hodak is confident that the East Coast giant will have a slight advantage over Pahang when they meet in the Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium this Sunday.
The Croatian-born coach, 42, said his boys had vast experience playing in the finals for the past few years.
The Tok Gajah, coached by Dollah Salleh, had only featured in the finals back in 1997, but ultimately lost 0-1 to Selangor, he said.
“This is something which can make the difference when we meet Pahang in the finals, but overall, it would be a 50-50 ball game.
“Anything can happen, sometimes one lucky strike or a referee’s decision can make the difference...So it’s an open game (for both teams),” he told reporters after attending the team managers meeting at the stadium here today.
Hodak said although he was sad to miss the service of their hard-hitting defender, Obinna Nwaneri, due to his suspension, he said he could still rely on the other players to defend the onslaught of the Tok Gajah.
The Red Warriors captain Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi, who is known as ‘Piya’ within the squad, said he did not feel the pressure despite the assumption that he was a player who needed special attention.
He admitted that Obinna’s absence may throw off the team’s rhythm but urged his teammates to give their best performance to ensure the Malaysia Cup remains for the second consecutive year in Kelantan.
Meanwhile, the Tok Gajah captain Jalaluddin Jaafar said the squad was inspired to regain the trophy after their long hiatus since 1997.
“I feel that this is the best chance for us as, no one thought we would come this far during this season. I hope our long wait of 16 long years will be finally rewarded this Sunday,” he said. — Bernama
