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Dutchman George Boateng is joining Kelantan as head coach with some good recommendation from his former club, T-Team.

Announced as the replacement for Steve Darby by Kelantan manager Azman Ibrahim yesterday, Boateng, 39, who played for T-Team last season, has the backing of his former teammates and coaches.

T-Team defender Marzuki Yusof, who was alternating the captain’s armband with the Ghana-born Boateng last year, said Kelantan had made the right move in picking the former Aston Villa and Hull player.

“He may not have much experience as a coach but he has played top level football for a long time and he has more than enough knowledge about Malaysian football to be an effective coach.

“I was part of the team that he coached when he got his professional coaching licence last year.”

T-Team player Nuralif Zainal Abidin said Boateng has been given another opportunity to win a trophy in the Malaysian league.

“I still remember his words when he first arrived here in Kuala Terengganu... that he was not on vacation and his aim was to leave Malaysia with a silverware of sorts.

“He could not do it as a player with T-Team as we barely survived relegation last season but he may just be able to get what he wanted as a coach for Kelantan.”

T-Team assistant coach Azlan Johar said Boateng was dedicated, disciplined and hardworking throughout his one-year stint with the Titans.

“He has all the characteristics of becoming an effective coach.”

Read more: Boateng the right choice for Kelantan - Soccer - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/soccer/boateng-the-right-choice-for-kelantan-1.578210#ixzz2zxyYDdHk