Irfan can scent victory

Terengganu’s Abdul Hadi Yahaya (right) gets past Pahang defenders in their Super League match on Wednesday. Terengganu won 5-0. — Picture by Aswadi Alias

THE puzzle at the top of the Super League table has begun to unravel with Terengganu looking poised to capture their first ever league title.
For a while, the Turtles were involved in a three-horse race with Kelantan and Selangor but after thrashing Pahang 5-0 at home on Wednesday, they are now galloping all alone in front with four matches remaining.

Kelantan, who were neck and neck with Terengganu on 44 points before losing 2-1 to T-Team in Kota Baru, are three points behind while defending champions Selangor have dropped five points further back in third place after losing 2-1 to Young Tigers A.

Terengganu coach Irfan Bakti feels that the title beckons to them as three out of their last four matches will be played at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kota Baru.
"Our stadium is a fortress of sorts as we have yet to lose at home this season although Sabah and Selangor managed to leave Kuala Terengganu with a draw.

"All the signs are pointing to us keeping the lead until the finish line but anything can still happen when Kedah and Kelantan come calling."

Irfan, who is satisfied with the current form of his players, said morale is at an all time high in the Terengganu camp.

"We haven't been in this position for a long time and our players' confidence level seems to be soaring.

"I have seen glimpses of brilliance from some of the boys in the last few matches but I can't say that they were playing like champions just yet," said the coach who is most impressed with Abdul Hadi Yahya who scored a hat-trick against Pahang.

Hadi, who is now the league's top scorer with 15 goals, said he prefers to talk about winning the championship after the last match.

Kelantan coach M. Karathu said all is not lost for his team who still hope to win their first league title.

"We are playing catch-up right now, not only on points but on goal difference as well, and we need to do something about it right away."

Selangor coach K. Devan is also of the opinion that the chase for the title is far from over.

"We aim to beat Negri Sembilan at home and hopefully Terengganu fail to beat Kedah," he said.