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Friday October 16, 2009

Coach hands in resignation letter to Kedah FA

By LOGANATH VELLOO

GEORGE TOWN: Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor dropped a bombshell by handing in his resignation letter to FA secretary, Dr Hamdan Mohd Khalib, in Alor Setar yesterday.

Azraai has a contract to run until the end of next year and if he is released by the Kedah FA, he will take up the FA of Malaysia’s (FAM) offer to coach the Harimau Muda (national Under-19) squad.

Azraai is Kedah’s most successful coach, having led them to back-to-back treble of titles (Malaysia Cup, Super League and FA Cup) in 2007 and 2008. He was also in charge of the Kedah team who won the Premier League title in 2006.

Azraai, who took over the hot-seat from Brazilian Mirandinha midway through the 2004 season, cited an untenable working environment for his decision to part company with the Canaries.

Following the elimination of the team from the Malaysia Cup competition after the group stage last Tuesday, he hit out at the team management for not acting on recommendations to beef up the team with strikers. The exit meant that Kedah failed in the defence of all three titles this season.

So long, boys: Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor (right) can’t AZRAAI KHOR stand the current crop of Kedah FA officials.

“I believe this is the right time to leave Kedah. I do not belong in a tidak apa (lackadaisical) working environment practised by the FA,” said Azraai from Alor Star yesterday.

“Since taking charge in 2004, I have co-operated with dedicated officials, among them the late (team manager) Datuk Ahmad Basri Akil to develop young talent to become champion material. But the present crop of officials lack the hunger and mentality for improvement and success.

“There was a particular player (Terengganu T-Team’s Harris Safwan Kamal) who was interested in playing for Kedah on loan in the Malaysia Cup. When I made a request to get him, the team management told me to make do with the players I have.

“Even the best teams in the world do not stop improving their squad. I am fed up with the management and cannot continue working without their total co-operation.”

Azraai is seeking an immediate release from his contract to take up the job with Harimau Muda. The FAM have plans to field two Harimau Muda teams in the M-League next season.

Harimau Muda featured in the Premier League this season and finished as the champions. The present coach, Ong Kim Swee, will continue to be with a team for the Premier League while Azraai has been earmarked to take charge of the side for the Super League.

“After contributing to the football development in my state all this while, I would like to step up to a new challenge to contribute to my country,” said Azraai.

“I feel that accepting the offer to take charge of Harimau Muda is the right move at this point of my career.”

The Kedah FA council are expected to meet soon to discuss his resignation.

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