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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Kelantan's youth development programme is one of the most structured in Malaysia. Youth players begin at 12 years of age with the Al-Hamra Red Warriors Academy (ARMY), considered the foundation of grassroots development programmmes in the state. Regular trainings and practice matches are held at the seven major ARMY regional training camps located around Kelantan.
"I think that it's absolutely important for teams to start grooming players from a very young age," Kelantan Secretary General Haji Azman Ibrahim told Goal.com Malaysia in an exclusive interview. "That is what we have been doing here in Kelantan for the past few years. We've gone down to the low levels of small kids and tried identifying talents in that age group.
"I'm not sure what the other states are doing and we can't compare. All I can say is that Kelantan pays a lot of attention to youth development because that is essentially the way forward.
"Our boys come from primary schools, secondary schools and we integrate them into our President Cup squad as well. So it's pretty systematic here, but there is always room for improvement." |
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KEY PLAYERS
1. Badhri Radzi
Radzi is far the most influential player for the Red Warriors. 'Piya', known as a technically gifted playmaker, is also highly rated for his ability to pick out a killer pass. He was the driving force of Kelantan's treble-winning season in 2012, and as captain will continue to lead the team by example. |
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2. Obinna Nwaneri
The Nigerian is rock solid at the back, which contributed to the side's impressive defensive record in 2012. Kelantan were very hard to beat at the back and it was largely because of Obinna. A former international, Obinna uses his height to protect the goal and works hard to deny the opposition space in the final third. |
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3. Norfarhan Muhammad
The former T-Team man complements Badri's qualities seamlessly and drives the team forward with his runs in the middle of the pitch. He also has an impeccable eye for the goal and one can always count on him to create vital goal-scoring opportunities. |
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MANAGEMENT
1. TAN SRI ANNUAR MUSA - CLUB PRESIDENT
If there was ever a man to be credited for Kelantan's renaissance in Malaysian football, it would have to be Tan Sri Annuar Musa. He took helm when they were still in the second division, brought them up to the Super League, and has transformed them into a major powerhouse. He's contributed not only to how Kelantan plays the game, but also with the connections and collaborations he has initiated with sponsors and foreign clubs. |
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2. BOJAN HODAK - HEAD COACH
While few would have expected that Hodak had the necessary ingredient to bring success to Kelantan, one can't deny that the Croatian's tactics have been astoundingly successful. He impressed with his tactically astute decisions throughout their treble winning 2012 season, and has a knack for picking the right squad for each match. He may be one of the best managers plying his trade in Malaysia. |
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3. Haji Azman Ibrahim
While Kelantan have arguably gotten off to a slow start, few are counting them out quite yet.
"I don't think it's fair to say that the team is out of form," Haji Azman Ibrahim told Goal. "I think it's a matter of settling down after a successful 2012. We won the treble and some players might be too comfortable and complacent with that fact but its normal. It's also safe to say that our treble winning season increased the expectation of others towards our team, which places pressure on our players as well.
"But I'm sure our boys will bounce back and prove their worth. The Super League is now an equal battlefield as every side is capable of winning the league. The competition is tougher and we will have to work hard to win games, which I think we will somehow." |
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GOAL.COM VERDICT
Kelantan may be struggling for form early in 2013, but in their case it's clear that while form is temporary, class is permanent. To say that the Red Warriors are a complete package would be an overstatement, but they are constantly evolving as a club. Development programs are in place to ensure that Kelantan do not fall back on their vision and mission, and there are already plans for a new stadium to accommodate the ever-growing number of fans.
Through Tan Sri Annuar Musa's effort, the club is strong in the marketing department as well. Hotlink are their major sponsors this year, a list that also includes international companies such as RedBull.
Stadium 3 star OVERALL
Facilities 2 star 3.5 star
Youth System 4 star
Club Affiliation 3 star
Key Players 4 star
Management 4 star
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Kelantan duo to train with Blackburn Rovers for a month
English club Blackburn Rovers will open its doors to Kelantan duo Dimitri Pertratos and Faizul Nazlin Sayuti, who are set to train with the club for a month
The move was made possible by the club president, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who set-up a company called Theredwarriors.com (Trw.com), to facilitate the management of the club this season.
Speaking to Arena BolaSepak, Tan Sri Annuar said: “Dimitri Pertratos and Faizol Nazlin will be accompanied by the Head Executive of Trw.com, Kevin Ramalingam throughout their stint with Blackburn Rovers, which are based in Lanchasire, England.
“The players will take part in training and undergo some tests, and I hope they will get the necessary exposure, especially for Pertratos since he will be carrying our fortunes in the AFC Cup in March”.
Pertratos is an ex-Sydney FC striker in the Australian League who has already netted for Kelantan in their friendly macth against Semen Padang which ended 1-1.
As for Faizul, Tan Sri Annuar says it’s just an opportunity for the 21-year-old President Cup captain to gain some experience and enjoy the modern footballing culture in England.
The influential chairman is planning for a continued partnership with Blackburn Rovers and hopes that this will be the first of many successful joint ventures to make Kelantan a household name in Asian football.
Blackburn are the second English football club to open their doors to Malaysian players.
Cardiff City, who is owned by business mogul Vincent Tan had previously invited national duo Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali for trials last year.
With this move, Kelantan FA certainly has taken a positive step to improve their football and are on their way to cementing their status as the nation’s best club.
source : http://www.goal.com/en-my/news/3 ... -rovers-for-a-month |
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Shahrizan Ismail
Date of Birth: Nov 3, 1979 (Age 33)
Nationality: Malaysia
Position: Goalkeeper
Squad Number: -
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Norhadi Ubaidillah
Date of Birth: Oct 24, 1987 (Age 25)
Nationality: Malaysia
Position: Goalkeeper
Squad Number: |
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Abdul Aziz Ismail
Date of Birth: Aug 7, 1988 (Age 24)
Nationality: Malaysia
Position: Defender
Squad Number: |
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Indra Putra Mahayuddin
Umur: 30 tahun
Posisi: Midfield
Jersi: No 13 |
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Mohd Zamri Ramli
Umur: 21 tahun
Posisi: Pertahanan
Jersi: No 14 |
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Mohd Syazwan Yusoff
Umur: 19 tahun
Posisi: Penjaga Gol
Jersi: No 20 |
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Zairul Fitree Ishak
Umur: 26 tahun
Posisi: Pertahanan
Jersi: No 24 |
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K. Nanthakumar
Full Name: Nanthakumar a/l Kalliappan
Date of Birth: Oct 13, 1977 (Age 35)
Nationality: Malaysia
Position: Defender
Squad Number: - |
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Lek Kcira
Date of Birth: Jan 28, 1983 (Age 30)
Nationality: Croatia
Position: Defender
Squad Number: |
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Mohd Haris Safwan bin Mohd Kamal
Date of Birth: Jun 8, 1982 (Age 30)
Nationality: Malaysia
Position: Striker
Squad Number: |
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Author
