Terengganu struggling to sign new players

One out of three ain't bad!

That is not the title of an old country song by Hank Williams Jr but the inevitable outcome of a quest to secure on-loan signings for the Malaysia Cup campaign, said Terengganu FA president Datuk Che Mat Jusoh.

The FA Cup champions were initially interested to bring in Pahang captain Azammuddin Mohd Akil and Perlis striker Mohd Faiz Subri to add depth to their bench.

"Our attempts were not successful as Mohd Faiz could not get a release from his employer while Azammuddin had decided to play for our neighbours and rivals Kelantan," said Che Mat.

"But we did not end up empty-handed as Young Tigers defender Mohd Faizal Muhammad did not need much convincing to agree to join us."

Che Mat, who is also team manager, said the 21-year-old Terengganu-born player is an important signing as the team are missing regular rightback Mohd Zubir Mohd Azmi, who is presently with the Olympic squad.

"In hindsight, we are glad that Mohd Faizal will be the only addition to our team as some of the players do not think that we need to beef up our already strong team," he added.

"Bringing in a defender is fine according to some but they are of the opinion that having two additional strikers will disrupt the harmony of our team as we do not lack personnel in the offensive department."

He added that Terengganu are not necessarily the favourites in Group B as former champions Negri Sembilan and Premier League champions Selangor PKNS are capable of winning the group.

"Even Sime Darby are not without chances and they proved to be formidable opponents in the Malaysia Cup the way the routed Pahang in the playoffs.

"We have to be wary of the element of surprise when we take on Sime Darby in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 6 and we expect an even tougher match at home against Selangor PKNS three days later," said Che Mat.