Akmal signs for Kelantan

2009/11/21

MALAYSIA Cup runners-up Kelantan wasted little time in raiding Kuala Muda Naza of their best players after the Alor Star-based club gave notice of their intention to withdraw from next season’s Super League. Former national striker Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, who had hoped to continue with Kuala Muda, jumped at the chance to join Kelantan when they came calling.

Heading east with Akmal is defender Azizi Mat Rose with several other Kuala Muda players also in negotiations with other Super League t e a m s.

Akmal, 28, said he was enticed to Kelantan by their trophy-winning ambition and also because of his personal relationship with former national coach B. Sathianathan, who has agreed to stay on with the team.

“I had received several offers while waiting for Kuala Muda to make a move but when I found out that they were going to pull out, I decided to take Kelantan up on their offer.

“I am excited by the prospect of winning trophies with Kelantan as they have an ambitious plan for next year.

Having already made two Cup finals this season, I think this is the best time to move there,” said Akmal, who will be playing for his fourth Malaysian team having previously turned out for Kedah and Selangor.

Kelantan have also recruited national team players Syed Adney Syed Hussein and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, both from now defunct UPB-MyTeam to replace goalkeeper Halim Napi, who has been offered the position of assistant coach, and striker Khalid Jamlus, who has been released.

Former Perak defender S. Subramaniam, Penang forward S. Chanturu and UPB-MyTeam midfielder Shakir Shaari are also set to join the team.

Akmal, who once played for French club RC Strasbourg in 1999-2000, is undaunted by the fierce competition for a starting XI spot he can expect to face from Norshahrul, Indra Putra Mahayuddin, Norfarhan Mohammad and young Ramzul Zahini Adnan.

“It is natural to have to fight for your place but I will work hard for it. I would not be going there if I did not think I am still capable of playing regu l a r l y, ” added Akmal, who had explored the possibility of joining an Indian club but nothing came of it.

Former national striker Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli has joined Kelantan for the 2010 season.

Akmal has not won a major trophy yet despite his high-profile status with only three second division medals to show (Kedah in 2002 and 2006 and Kuala Muda in 2008) but that wait could end with his move to Kelantan.

“I think this team are certainly capable of winning honours and with players of the quality of Indra around, we can go far,” said Akmal, whose partnership with Indra is best remembered for the national team’s run to the semi-finals of the 2002 Asean Tiger Cup when they starred in wins over Singapore (4-0) and Thailand (3-1).