KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia football legends have expressed their displeasure over Kelantan FC’s reliance on foreign players to battle for its survival in the Malaysian Super League.
The Red Warriors’ recent 2-11 loss to Selangor FC have ignited criticism towards head coach Alfredo Vera, who attributed the defeat to the absence of foreign players in his squad.
Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, a former football coach who led Perlis FC to victory in the 2005 Super League, criticised Vera’s comments and urged the Argentinian to prioritise the development of local youth players.
“Citing the absence of foreign players as the main reason for such a humiliating defeat is a weak excuse by the head coach.
“It undermines the importance of developing a strong foundation within the local talent pool,” Rahman said.
The 77-year-old, who also had successful spells at Selangor FC and Terengganu FC, highlighted that bringing in more foreign players without a simultaneous effort to develop local talent is seen as unnecessary and potentially counterproductive.
“I don’t see any improvements in terms of infrastructure and development to elevate the standards of the youth in the club.
“There is no need to bring in more foreign players if they are not developing local talent.
“The club’s standard is declining, and they are a shadow of what they were a decade ago,” Rahman added.
Meanwhile, former footballer Hairuddin Omar echoed a similar sentiment, stating that clubs like Kelantan FC should not prioritise foreign players solely for instant results on the pitch.
“Football involves many processes, and relying on foreign players is just a temporary shortcut to achieve success.
“The future of the club relies on the youth, and hindering their chances for development by having plans to bring in more foreign players is unnecessary.
“Kelantan FC should focus on enhancing the success of their youth and start cleaning up their team from the U-12 and U-14 squads if the club wants to see long-term success,” Hairuddin said.
Hairuddin, also known as Hai-O by local football fans and the winner of the Malaysia Cup with Kelantan FC in 2010, also mentioned that the club should stop imitating other teams if they lack the resources to do so.
“Kelantan FC should stop trying to copy the same formula as JDT or Selangor. These clubs spend on foreign players because they are challenging for titles.
“Kelantan, on the other hand, are currently struggling with their form and are at risk of getting relegated from the league.
“Most foreign players in the Malaysian League play for lucrative wages, and it is pointless for Kelantan FC to bring in more foreign players when they already have trouble paying their players’ salaries.
“The club will soon deteriorate if their management and coaches continue with this mindset,” he said.
Kelantan FC were recently barred from player transfers in the second window opening in July.
The punishment, imposed by the First Instance Body (FIB), came after Kelantan FC failed to provide proof of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution payments and salary arrears for players and officials by the designated deadlines.
Kelantan FC have conceded 29 goals in their last three games and currently sits only one point above league bottomers Kuching City FC with 8 points. — August 29, 2023