SEREMBAN, Negeri Sembilan: Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) have received more than 30 applications for the position of new head coach for next season, including candidates from abroad.
NSFC Chief Executive Officer, Faliq Firdaus Muhammad Rom, said the evaluation process and interview sessions are currently underway together with the team’s technical director.
“Planning for next season is ongoing and we have received many applications, including from Japan, Australia, Spain and Croatia, in addition to local candidates.
“Most likely, NSFC will have a new head coach next season, and we are still exploring whether to appoint an international or local coach,” he told reporters after the Bubbles O2 cheque presentation ceremony to NSFC at Wisma Negeri here on Wednesday.
He said the decision on the appointment of the new head coach is expected to be finalised by the club chairman, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, in May.
Meanwhile, he explained that for the selection criteria of the head coach next season, NSFC are prioritising a structured playing system (centric system) and seeking a coach aligned with that philosophy.
“We have established the team’s structure and playing philosophy and are now looking for a coach who can adapt to this approach with the support of the technical director,” he said.
Commenting on K. Rajan, Faliq said the coach remains part of the club’s long-term plans and will stay within the coaching setup next season.
He added that about 70 per cent of local players will be retained, while the remaining 30 per cent will be replaced based on the technical director’s recommendations.
“Several key players have also signed contract extensions, while players such as Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani and Luqman Hakim Shamsudin will remain with the team,” he said.
He added that NSFC have also signed several new players, including national players who competed in the SEA Games, while import players such as Takumi Sasaki (Japan) and Jovian Motika (Bosnia) will remain with the team. – BERNAMA
