Latest news with #TerengganuFC
The Star
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Ubaidullah highlights valuable lessons learned from hiccup at AFF C'ship
Hopeful: Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili (right) believes the upcoming centralised training camp will serve as a platform to regroup, sharpen their tactical awareness, and strengthen their unity. — Terengganu FC PETALING JAYA: Whether it's two days or two weeks of preparation, Malaysia Under-23 football team captain and defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili believes that they must learn to adapt quickly if they are to progress on the world stage. Following the Harimau Muda's early exit in the AFF Under-23 Championship, the midfielder did not hide his disappointment but insisted that valuable lessons were learned – particularly in terms of experience and on-field awareness. 'I'm disappointed. We didn't get to the next stage,' said Ubaidullah, who plays for Terengganu in the Super League. 'We have to move on and take this as a lesson. We have a bigger assignment coming.' That next challenge is the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September, where Malaysia will face Thailand, Lebanon and Mongolia – a group Ubaidullah acknowledges as tough but not impossible to navigate. 'We have to qualify. It is important. The last AFC tournament, we qualified on merit. If we have good preparation and a solid plan, nothing is impossible.' The 22-year-old, who wore the armband during the AFF campaign, pointed to communication breakdowns and lack of in-game decision-making as critical areas that need improvement before the qualifiers. 'We have the chemistry, but on the field, our communication is less. This is for myself as well. In some situations, we didn't know what to do,' he admitted. 'We may look emotional because of the shouting at each other, but adrenaline is high. These moments will help us to mature. Next tournament, the boys will know what to do. We will move forward.' Ubaidullah believes professionalism starts with personal responsibility, especially with many players juggling club duties during pre-season or competitive league campaigns. 'Off or on season is not an issue. As professionals, we have to be prepared. We have to do it on our own and not expect everything from others.' He was also quick to defend the team's preparation time, stressing that the two weeks they had was enough, if used wisely. 'Every game, there was improvement. But in the national team, you need to adapt quickly and understand the demands. We had two weeks to prepare, which is ample enough. We have to be better.' Looking ahead, Ubaidullah hopes the upcoming centralised training camp will serve as a platform for the squad to regroup, sharpen their tactical awareness, and strengthen their unity. 'The biggest lesson I can take is experience. Our squad is still young and inexperienced, but this outing will mature us. 'I've learnt a lot and I know the team has too. I believe we will do better in the upcoming competition.' With Malaysia set to face stern tests in September, the leadership and clear-eyed honesty of their captain could be just what they need to turn disappointment into qualification.
The Star
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Fewer imports, bigger dream
Still part of the plan: Uzbekistan midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov (centre) has been retained by Terengganu for the Super League next season. — Terengganu FC PETALING JAYA: Terengganu may be cutting down on foreign firepower, but they are aiming for bigger things in the new Super League season. The Turtles, who had nine import players last season, have trimmed the number to six. Coach Badrul Afzan Razali says the move reflects the club's commitment to building a balanced team, with a stronger emphasis on quality over quantity and greater reliance on local talent. 'Last season we had nine imports, but this year we are moving forward with only six. I'm hoping the current group can deliver improved performances and contribute more meaningfully to the team,' said Badrul. They have retained Uzbekistan midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov and signed four new players – Brazilian playmakers Gabriel Silva and Rainderson da Costa, French striker Yan Mabella and Cameroonian winger Junior Ngong Sam. The sixth player is believed to be Brazilian centreback Diego Landis, who will join them from Thai club Khon Kaen United. The 27-year-old Landis, who stands tall at 1.95m, hails from the famed Brazilian club academy Sao Paulo and will be a welcome addition to the Terengganu defence, which is powered by local talents. Badrul admitted that several imports failed to meet their marks last season, and this is the reason to source for new faces. 'Some of our imports last year failed to live up to expectations. That's why I expect the new ones to step up and perform at a higher level,' he added. While foreign players remain a vital part of the club's strategy, Badrul underlined his confidence in local players, pledging to provide them with opportunities to prove themselves. 'Our local players cannot be overlooked. I will continue to place my trust in them to help drive the team's success.' Terengganu will begin the season without star winger Safawi Rasid, whose departure leaves a noticeable gap in the squad. However, Badrul believes Akhyar Rashid, who remains with the team, has the potential to fill the void and take on a greater role. 'Losing Safawi is a loss for the team, but we are now looking to Akhyar and others to rise to the occasion. I am confident they will deliver.' Terengganu will take on Penang at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Aug 10. The season will begin with the Charity Shield game between Johor Darul Ta'zim and Selangor in Johor on Aug 8.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Terengganu FC Sign Yann Mabella for 2025/26 M-League
KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu FC (TFC) continues to strengthen the frontline with the signing of another French-born import player, Yann Kevin Mabella, for the 2025/26 Malaysia League (M-League) football season. Acting chief executive officer of Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain confirmed that the 29-year-old forward has signed a one-season contract with the Turtles squad. He said that before moving to Terengganu, the 1.83-metre tall player played for Racing FC Union in the Luxembourg League and has represented the Congo national squad in several international matches including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 'Yann (Yann Kelvin Mabell) is the fourth import player we have signed for this season after Nurillo Tukhtasinov, Junior Ngong Sam and Gabriel Silva Costa. 'Among the factors in favour of his selection is his sterling performance of scoring 22 goals in 29 matches in the Luxembourg League last season and featuring prominently in the Europa Conference League qualification,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Syahrizan said Mabella's presence will give the coach more tactical options because of his ability to play up in attack upfront and on the wings.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Terengganu FC signs up French striker Mabella to face Malaysia league season
KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu FC (TFC) continues to strengthen the frontline with the signing of another French-born import player, Yann Kevin Mabella, for the 2025/26 Malaysia League (M-League) football season. Acting chief executive officer of Terengganu Football Club Sdn Bhd (TFCSB) Mohd Syahrizan Mohd Zain confirmed that the 29-year-old forward has signed a one-season contract with the Turtles squad. He said that before moving to Terengganu, the 1.83-metre tall player played for Racing FC Union in the Luxembourg League and has represented the Congo national squad in several international matches including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 'Yann (Yann Kelvin Mabell) is the fourth import player we have signed for this season after Nurillo Tukhtasinov, Junior Ngong Sam and Gabriel Silva Costa. 'Among the factors in favour of his selection is his sterling performance of scoring 22 goals in 29 matches in the Luxembourg League last season and featuring prominently in the Europa Conference League qualification,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Syahrizan said Mabella's presence will give the coach more tactical options because of his ability to play up in attack upfront and on the wings.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
TFC to play six pre-season friendlies
THE new-look Terengganu FC (TFC) squad will be tested through six friendly matches as part of their preparations for the 2025/26 Super League campaign. Head coach Badrul Afzan Razali said the Turtles will first face Kelantan Red Warriors in Kota Bharu on July 4, before hosting Penang FC in Kuala Terengganu on July 8. He said that from July 13 to 18, the Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus-based TFC will be in Kuala Lumpur for four more friendlies, including matches against two ASEAN clubs. 'On July 13, TFC will take on PDRM FC, followed by Cambodian club Svay Rieng FC (July 15), UM Damansara United (July 16) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (July 18). 'After that, we will return to Terengganu and may schedule several more pre-season matches before the 2025/26 league season, expected to begin in mid-August,' he said during a training session at the Gong Badak Sports Complex here. Badrul Afzan said he has finalised the squad comprising 22 local players and six imports. According to him, two of the foreign players - Nurillo Tukhtasinov and Junior Ngong Sam - began training with their teammates yesterday, while the remaining four are expected to arrive in Terengganu by the third week of this month at the latest.
