KUALA TERENGGANU: To boost its image and popularity, Terengganu has decided to rebrand its soccer club T-Team as Terengganu FC II.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said that the T-Team, established in 2007, would now be on the same level as the state’s premier team Terengganu FA in the country’s soccer competitions.
“Thus, T-Team will not consider themselves as second fiddle and will be better motivated to challenge the more prominent teams, including our first-tiers, for any of the titles at stake.
“In fact, there is the probability that both our teams can meet in a final of a competition,” he said at the state’s soccer teams’ new playing attire launch and introduction of players at Pantai Batu Burok.
Present were Terengganu Football Association president Datuk Wan Ahmad Nizam Wan Abdul Hamid and Terengganu Football Club II manager Datuk Mohamad Kamil Othman, who is also Kuala Terengganu Datuk Bandar.
The state’s main soccer team, Terengganu FA, are known as The Turtles while Terengganu FC II are known as The Titans.
“We will place equal emphasis and importance in terms of funding, management and training facilities for both teams.
“A lot depends on the commitment, discipline and performance of the players and officials to seek better sponsorship,” he said.
In another development, Razif announced the establishment of the Terengganu Sports Development Fund to generate funds via sponsorship for the various events for talented athletes.
“Rather than depend on the state government, the fund will open avenues for government-linked companies and other privateers to play a role in promoting sports here.
“Other than soccer, Terengganu has potential in cycling, cross-country equestrian, hockey and water sports where a number of their athletes won international medals,” said Razif.
He added sports was among the top agenda of the Visit Terengganu Year 2017 to attract visitors to the state.