Nanthakumar Open To Return As NSFC Head Coach Next Season
SEREMBAN, April 21 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) head coach K. Nanthakumar is ready to continue guiding the team into the 2025/2026 Malaysia League (M-League) season.
However, he said that the decision rests with the NSFC management, and he is prepared for any outcome.
“It’s up to the management whether I stay or not. They haven’t discussed it with me yet. My contract, as well as most of the players’ contracts, will expire at the end of this month. Perhaps, they will reach out in one to two weeks to discuss it,” he said.
“This year, I was just a caretaker coach working with the available local and imported players. If I'm given a second chance as head coach next season, I would consider reshaping the squad and doing things my way. In my view, the coach should be appointed first, then the players - so the coach can make the selections,” he said.
He said this after the final match of the 2024/2025 Super League against Kuching City FC at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, where his team suffered a 1-3 defeat.
Nanthakumar admitted being dissatisfied with his squad's performance this season, noting that an earlier appointment as head coach could have improved the team's position, including player selection. NSFC finished 12th with 16 points, while Kuching City FC placed fourth with 39 points.
Meanwhile, Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, praising the players, management, and fans.
He acknowledged early-season challenges but said the squad improved after the second transfer window and showed strong effort despite finishing fourth.
-- BERNAMA
