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| Kelantan’s latest signings (from left) Brendan Gan, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor and Fitri Omar posing in their Kelantan jerseys yesterday. Pic by Farizul Hafiz Awang. |
WAN Zack Haikal Wan Noor chose Kelantan over two other Super
League teams before mutually terminating his two-year contract with
Japan Football League (Division Three) outfit FC Ryukyu.
Yesterday, the winger along with Australia-born Brendan Gan, who was
granted a Malaysian passport recently, and Fitri Omar were unveiled as
Kelantan's latest signings for the ongoing season.
The trio signed three-year contracts with the reigning FA Cup champions. Although agreeing that he may never get another opportunity to play
abroad again, Wan Zack Haikal believes Kelantan will turn him into a
better winger.
"I left Ryukyu because I could not cope with injuries. I played only
two games before I got injured last October," said Wan Zack Haikal in
Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"Critics are upset but I was frustrated dealing with the injuries. It
is seen as a step backward but for me, I believe I've made the right
decision."
Wan Zack Haikal, who underwent multiple knee surgeries, will only complete rehab in August, in time for the Malaysia Cup.
"I consulted interim national coach Ong Kim Swee before making this
decision. Although the coach was slightly upset, he was open to my
decision," Wan Zack Haikal added.
Kelantan FA (Kafa) advisor Tan Sri Annuar Musa said those concerned should not criticise Wan Zack Haikal for joining his team. "We are not a 'kampung' team....we are one of the best teams in the M-League.
"Critics tend to look down on a player when he returns from a failed stint abroad. "Wan Zack Haikal did well for Ryukyu but I believe he will become a better winger with us," said Annuar.
In a statement, FC Ryukyu said the move to release Wan Zack Haikal for an undisclosed fee was difficult. "We did not release the player because of money. We felt it was better
for him to be in a comfortable environment at this stage of his career."
Source: New Straits Times | Soccer | 25 March 2014
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