Football Association of Penang (FAP)’s president, Zairil Khir Johari, has announced former Malaysian footballer, Zainal Abidin Hassan has the head coach of Penang FA.
Zainal Abidin Hassan will be replacing former head coach and ex Manchester United trainee, Ashley Westwood, whose contract was terminated last Sunday.
“FAP welcomes him as a legendary player who has led the nation to the glory days of Malaysian football a long time ago. Since starting his coaching career in Selangor back in 2000, and then migrating to Pahang in 2004, he has a proven track record that cannot be disputed.” the FAP president posted on his official Facebook page.
“When the Malaysian Super League was introduced in 2004, Zainal Abidin was the head coach of Pahang who successfully led the team to their first championship. Two years later, Pahang became the FA Cup champion under his tutelage.”
“With Pahang he also held other positions including manager, assistant coach, and then returned as head coach during the 2004 – 2015 period. Among other achievements he accomplished with Pahang is the 2013 Malaysia Cup champion, the Charity Shield, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup in 2014.”
“In the last year 2015 together with Pahang, he led the state to the AFC Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals of the FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup, and finished second in the Super League.”
“After serving as head coach of Selangor in 2016, he traveled to the UK for three months at the end of last year to gain experience with English Championship side Cardiff City FC.”
“I am very pleased to welcome Zainal Abidin on behalf of FAP and Penang FA because I have been following his football career as a legendary player and as an experienced head coach.”
“I also believe the Penang team have the skills and abilities. The only thing they need is motivation and inspiration and guidance towards a goal after a messy start. With Zainal Abidin’s presence, I believe we have found an experienced coach who is able to restore the spirit of the players and ensure that Penang will remain in the Super League at the end of this season.”
Penang fans, what do you think of Zainal Abidin Hassan being elected as Penang FA’s new head coach?
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