KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised player Liridon Krasniqi has finally found a proper home and wants to revive his career with his new club, Terengganu.
And the midfielder hopes to shine when he leads Terengganu against his former team Kedah in tomorrow's Super League clash at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Star.
Krasniqi was a star player for Kedah during the 2015-2018 seasons, with victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and the Charity Cup to show.
The 32-year-old joined Melaka in 2019 before moving to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) a year later. However, he could not get regular football at JDT and was loaned to Newcastle Jets (A-League), Odisha FC (Indian Super League) and Khon Kaen United (Thai League 1).
Krasniqi is on a one-year loan deal at Terengganu and did not play in the 2-0 defeat to JDT in the opening Super League match.
The Kosovo-born said he is looking forward for his debut with Terengganu and expects an exciting return to his former hunting ground. He is known for his passing range and silky skills and is definitely an asset to Terengganu.
"I can't wait to make my debut for my new club, and I am excited to face my old team. I expect a thrilling match in front of the home crowd," said Krasniqi, fondly known as Mat Don.
"I hope my teammates have moved on after the opening-day defeat. We have to bounce back. My target is to earn three points if I play."
Meanwhile, Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain is preparing a "warm welcome" for his former club Terengganu.
Nafuzi was Terengganu's assistant coach from 2017 to 2019 before becoming head coach from 2020 to 2022.
The 44-year-old guided the Turtles to second spot in the 2020 Super League and the Malaysia Cup semi-finals in 2021.
Last year, Nafuzi helped Terengganu finish second in the Super League and the FA Cup and led them to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
"The match against Terengganu is special. It is because they were the first team who made me head coach.
"I am excited to meet my former players and coaches who supported me when I was with them," said Nafuzi.
"Although we are playing at home, it will be a tough match. Terengganu have seasoned players and quality imports and are preparing for the AFC Cup.
"We have to be focused and go for our second win after the 4-1 success over Perak last week. It is our first home game, and we want to award our fans, with three points.