KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The departure of striker Che Hisamuddin Hassan for his home state Kelantan has dented Terengganu's preparation for the Malaysia League next season.
"We respect his decision to leave the squad. Che Hisamuddin will be sorely missed," Terengganu team manager Sheikh Tajudin Sheikh Yusoff said here today.
Che Hisamuddin,32, who represented Terengganu for two seasons was instrumental in helping the "Turtles" to the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup competitions.
He said Terengganu will fill the vacuum left by Che Hisamuddin by calling up experienced players or new talents.
Terengganu had already recruited defender Mohd Hairul Nizam Haniff from KL Plus for the challenge next season.
"Mohd Hairul Nizam was one of two players loaned to Terengganu for the Malaysia Cup competition recently," said Sheikh Tajudin who is also the Terengganu Football Association vice president.
He said all the players from the last season had been retained since they were still young and committed to serve Terengganu football.
The "Turtles" squad will start training soon after Aidilfitri (Oct 1) as the new Malaysian League will start on Jan 7, 2009.
"We hope the players will train on their own to maintain fitness and stamina," he added.
-- BERNAMA