Bojan Hodak: Kelantan to focus on semi-final against ATM

The transfer speculation surrounding five core players to new teams next season has not taken a toll on Kelantan's focus for the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final clash against Armed Forces (ATM) at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium, Selangor, tomorrow.

Kelantan coach Bojan Hodak expressed confidence that his players were more motivated to make an impression against ATM especially after beating star-studded Johor Darul Takzim 6-1 in the second leg of the quarterfinals.

"I don't think all this transfer talk will affect our concentration when we play ATM (in the first leg semifinals tomorrow)," he told reporters today.

Five Kelantan players namely Shakir Shaari, Faiz Subri, Azizi Matt Rose, Norfarhan Mohd and injured S. Subramaniam have agreed terms with JDT and Premier League side Johor, but have not signed contracts yet.

Commenting about the match against the Armed Forces, Hodak expected that it would be a tough game as both Kelantan and ATM were among the top teams this season.

"We are positive (to win) in every game. Everybody is in good mood (after beating JDT), so we are confident that we will have good results.

"For us, a good thing is that the second leg match (in Kota Baharu on Oct. 25), we will play on home ground, in front of our supporters. We have an advantage," said the 55-year-old Croatian.

Hodak also said he hoped that goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and midfielders - Ahmad Fakri Saarani and Shakir, who played for the national team in the recent Asia Cup qualifying tie against Bahrain, would be in their best condition for the match against 'The Gladiators'.