Former Selangor Team Manager Puzzled Over FAS' Decision To Replace Him (BERNAMA)

SHAH ALAM, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Former Selangor team manager Zakaria Ab Rahim was surprised and disappointed with the announcement made by the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) with regard to the appointment of team manager for next season.

Zakaria who was appointed team manager in 2008 said he has not received anything official from the FAS with regard to his position and only learnt about his position from the media and after receiving a telephone call from deputy president Datuk Mokhtar Ahmad today.

"I need an explanation with regard to my position. I had wanted to meet the president Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, but he was busy today due to a state Exco meeting," Zakaria told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said he was willing to accept whatever decision made by FAS but added that he should have been briefed of his status or designation since his contract as manager only expires in May 2010.

Zakaria who became the first full-time manager in the country was given a two-year contract and led Selangor to a runner-up position in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup in 2008 and achieved a superb result last year by lifting three title - Charity Shield, FA Cup and Super League.

"I am really puzzled because FAS makes surprise decisions just like Akademi Fantasia," he said.

"Some of the players who called me were also puzzled with the decision but urged me to be patient. I knew the risks involved when taking up the job but what I do not understand is that despite achieving the targets set, this has happened," he said.

He added the players and family members had provided support for him.

Mokhtar had yesterday announced that coach K. Devan would assume the role of coach and team manager next season while Zakaria's role would be to promote and find sponsorship for the Selangor team.

My wish was to guide Selangor into the final of the 2010 AFC Cup but with the latest development, all that would remain an unfulfilled dream, he said.

-- BERNAMA