Azraai plunges back into coaching after two-year absence

KUALA LUMPUR: New Negri Sembilan coach Azraai Khor Abdullah is itching to plunge straight back into the hustle and bustle of M-League football after a two-year sabbatical.

Azraai, 65, returns to the football landscape after an aborted one-month stint at Sabah in late 2015, following which he has bided his time in choosing his next port of call.

Following the announcement of his appointment as Negri coach on Wednesday, Azraai was immediately on a flight to Alor Star on Thursday as Negri face Kedah in an FA Cup second round tie on Friday.

Putting the irony of his first match being against his home state, who he led to the "double treble" in 2007 and 2008, Azraai hopes to take his place on the bench as soon as possible once the formality of his appointment is completed.

"After two years away, my passion for football has not changed even though I have been the victim of some hanky-panky before," said Azraai, referring to some derisory offers he had received.

Azraai, 65, returns to the football landscape after an aborted one-month stint at Sabah in late 2015, following which he has bided his time in choosing his next port of call. Pic by  NSTP/IQMAL HAQIM ROSMAN
Azraai, 65, returns to the football landscape after an aborted one-month stint at Sabah in late 2015, following which he has bided his time in choosing his next port of call. Pic by NSTP/IQMAL HAQIM ROSMAN

"But Negri showed that they are serious and since I had coached the state team before, I'm happy to take up this chance."

Azraai acknowledged change is needed in the Negri team, which lost three of four matches to languish near the bottom of the Super League standings.

The coach, who led Negri to the Malaysia Cup title in 2011, alluded to players being used in wrong positions by his predecessor Jorg Steinebrunner.

"I know some of the local players and I watched Negri's match against Terengganu (last Friday) and the first thing to be done is to put the players back in their original positions," said Azraai.

"Of course I'm also looking at the next transfer window (in June) to make changes and I will be keeping an eye on possibly bringing in new players.

"But I want to be fair to everyone in the team and they will all have the chance to prove themselves. Only after this will I take action."

Azraai has not had a chance to train the team as he observed Wednesday's session taken by assistant Asri Ninggal from the sidelines.

While beating fellow top-flight side Kedah in Alor Star would be a great start, Azraai's main concern is preparing the side for their next Super League match against Pahang on Mar 10 in Kuantan.

"Asri will take charge of the team against Kedah unless my registration can be processed quickly for me to sit on the bench," said Azraai. "But my main concern is preparing the team for the Pahang match."

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