Super League champions Kelantan showed their intention to retain the Malaysia Cup by beefing up their striker force for the tournament which kicks off next month.
They have recruited Pahang strikers Azamuddin Akil and R. Surendran to add more firepower to their frontline which already boasts of national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, youngsters Ramzul Zahini Adnan and Nizad Ayub and seasoned Khalid Jamlus.
Kelantan coach Datuk M. Karathu seems to made the perfect choice after seeing the duo grabbing a goal each in the 5-0 trouncing of Kuala Lumpur in a friendly match on Monday.
The Red Warriors continued their winning streak in their friendlies by beating Selangor on Wednesday and Police on Thursday with similar 1-0 scorelines. The goals were scored by Azamudin and Nizad respectively.
Karathu will now focus on finding the best combination for his strikers in their last two friendly matches.
“We still have plenty of time to train together and build the understanding among the players,” said Karathu, a former national player.
“We are on the right track with the three wins in the friendly matches and what is important is to continue playing as a team.
“Azamuddin combined well with Norshahrul and it adds more depth to our attack. During the Super League we had some problem as we didn’t have enough options with our strikers.”
Karathu also praised his goalkeeper Shahrizan Ismail who replaced first choice goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat who is with the National Under-23 team on a playing-cum-training stint in Slovakia.
“Shahrizan is playing well and his clean-sheet has been a bonus to the team. I hope he can continue his good performance,” said Karathu.
“Obviously I would prefer to have Khairul Fahmi in the team as he is a national goalkeeper and very good in handling crosses but I believe Shahrizan will be an adequate replacement.”
The Red Warriors will next meet T-Team at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium next Wednesday and travel to Thailand to meet Thai Division One League side Songkhla FC at the Tinsulanon Stadium on Friday.
Kelantan will open their campaign against Premier League runners-up Sarawak at the State Stadium in Kuching on Sept 6.
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