KUALA TERENGGANU – Terengganu’s opening away win last week may have provided a morale boost, but head coach Hafiizh Zainal is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits when his side host Kelantan in their first home fixture of the Agong Cup this Saturday at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium, Terengganu Sports Complex.
Kelantan arrive with momentum and a growing reputation after stunning three-time defending champions Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) 26-24 in their season opener. That result not only shook Group B but also signaled Kelantan’s intent to be serious contenders this season.
For Terengganu, the narrow victory in their opener exposed vulnerabilities. “The win last week is not something to be overly proud of as we made too many basic errors that allowed the opposition back into the game,” admitted Hafiizh. “Communication was one of our main weaknesses, along with several other aspects that we have worked on and addressed in training leading up to this weekend.”
The coach, in his debut season at the helm, has intensified preparations, emphasizing discipline and sharper execution. He acknowledged the added pressure of playing at home, especially against a Kelantan side carrying the confidence of having toppled the champions. “As the home team, the pressure is certainly higher. However, our mission remains to secure a win at home,” he said firmly.
The stakes are high: both Terengganu and Kelantan sit level on three points at the top of Group B, with Kuala Lumpur trailing in third and PDRM surprisingly rooted at the bottom. Saturday’s clash could prove pivotal in shaping the group’s trajectory, with the winner gaining early control of the standings.
Beyond Group B, the competition in Group A is equally fierce. Johor, widely tipped as favorites, share the top spot with Negeri Sembilan, while ATM remain in contention in third. Kedah and Putrajaya, however, face uphill battles after slow starts.
Fans in Terengganu are expected to turn out in strong numbers, adding to the intensity of the occasion. The atmosphere at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium is likely to be electric, with supporters eager to see their team defend home turf against one of the season’s most talked-about challengers.
With Kelantan’s confidence soaring and Terengganu determined to prove themselves on home soil, Saturday’s showdown promises to be one of the highlights of the early Agong Cup campaign.