PETALING JAYA: After checking out a number of candidates to be their new pillar at the back, Kelantan United have settled for a Czech to man the demanding department.
The club, now rebranded as Kelantan Darul Naim, have snapped up Michal Jerabek (pic) as the replacement for their former hardman Dominik Balic, who left after last season.
The 30-year-old Jerabek, who has plied his trade in Europe throughout his career, is setting foot on Asian territory for the first time.
And he’s thrilled about hopping on a whole new adventure after accepting the challenge of playing in Malaysia’s Super League.
“I’ve heard a lot about the Super League in Malaysia although I’ve never played in Asia before. So this new experience is like a big adventure for me,” said the 1.88m-tall Jerabek, who arrived in Kota Baru two weeks ago.
“For a start, I’m checking out some good places in Kelantan and making some new friends. The people have been very nice and kind, and the positive vibes will help me to settle in quickly.”
Jerabek said he’s not setting any targets with his new team, who finished 12th out of 14 teams in their Super League debut last season.
“I just want to do the best job I can as a defender and help the team go as far as they can. It all rests on the team as a whole, and if there’s good team work and unity, we will make good progress.”
Jerabek made his name with several clubs in the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and Slovakia.
He started his professional career with Dukla Prague in 2014 before moving to Teplice in 2016 and Jablonec in 2020.
In 2020, Jerabek decided to venture out of his homeland by joining Kazakhstani club Aktobe and a year later, he moved to Slovakia where he featured for Michalovce.
He returned to the Czech Republic in 2023, signing for Trinity Zlin before embarking on a stint with Michalovce.
