Spark for explosive East Coast derby

Although they do have friendly games like the pre-season-cum-post-floods charity game together, historically it has always been an explosive affair whenever Kelantan competitively clash with Terengganu.

Whilst the temperature has not been as high now as in the old days, the East Coast derby in Kuala Terengganu this Saturday could rekindle old memories.

Three weeks of break from competitive football plus the excitement to see new April transfer window signings from both sides could provide the needed spark for a full-capacity crowd.     

Well, neutral observers say it could be a very tight game. 

Terengganu head coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim sees it thus: "It's just a home game which we got to win." That is if Terengganu want to improve its Super League standing and maintain its proud home record this season from being wrecked by Kelantan.

To be a team of substance this season, at times erratic Terengganu have to click the refresh button. In particular, the local players have to raise their game at par with their foreign team-mates.     

Abdul Rahman adds, "I'm happy with the imports' performance." However he believes the locals too could have given more and be more committed to improve their form, in line with the demand of modern football - they have to live up to their true capabilities, just like they showed last season when most of their foreign counterparts then didn't live up to expectations.

Is new foreign signing, Issey Nakajima-Farran a good buy? 

Nakajima-Farran: Terengganu's new signing

"We'll know whether Issey is a good buy after 3 to 4 games. However I believe that given his fighting qualities, he will deliver," Abdul Rahman says, as Terengganu fans and officials are praying that he will have no problem making his first appearance for Turtles this Saturday.   

His Kelantan counterpart, newly-appointed Kelantan head coach, Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah is being modest. He says, "It's going to be tough. Terengganu have quality local and foreign players. They also have home ground advatange."

Still, a football consultant says it also depends on how the Kelantan players respond to him.

According to press reports at least, the head coach has said that they have followed his approach and instructions well. Barring any hiccup, the match will also be televised live. Terengganu coaching members and players are thus well-advised to approach the game with the right frame of mind.