Irfan Bakti calls for a wrap by end of season

IRFAN Bakti Abu Salim, the oldest coach in the M-League, will bow out at the end of this season.

The 71-year-old, who helms Kuching City FC, has decided to call it quits after 26 years of coaching.

The former international midfielder hopes to end his long coaching career on a memorable note by helping the Cats win promotion to the Super League.

Irfan, who took Terengganu to the 2011 FA Cup title, said: “This (2022) will be my last year as a coach. I have been coaching since the age of 45.

“I feel it is time for me to take a rest next year, and give a chance to other coaches.”

Irfan, who possesses a Pro A coaching licence, was also in charge of Indonesian club, Persipura Jayapura, for one season in 2007 before continuing with Perlis.

The M-League’s most senior coach had worked at 10 clubs, including Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang FC.

On Kuching FC’s preparations this season, Irfan, who is assisted by Sulaiman Hussin, said they are still waiting for two strikers, from England and Liberia, to join the team.

“They are expected to arrive at the end of this month,” he said.

Irfan said the Cats have strengthened their defence by signing Brazilian Alyton Alemao and Japanese Yuki Tanigawa.

NST