Kelantan: Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) do not want to merely make up the numbers when they take on defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in a Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri tomorrow night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, head coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim said his charges must take to the field with courage and high discipline despite being aware of the difference in strength between the two teams, particularly in terms of the foreign player quota. He noted that JDT realistically have the advantage with between five and seven foreign players, compared with just two foreign players for KRW FC.

Irfan Bakti emphasized that despite the shortage of foreign players, especially in the attacking and defensive positions, the players cannot use this as an excuse. Instead, they must take to the field with high spirits and motivation. He stated, "We are aware that JDT are a very strong team, but that does not mean we will go into the match with a losing attitude. We do not want to be a team that is easy prey, and we will defend every inch of the pitch."

The head coach acknowledged that a major challenge awaits his team when playing away, especially in creating scoring opportunities and securing a win in their second Super League match of the season. He stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and fighting spirit while learning from their previous heavy defeat to prevent history from repeating itself.

He further mentioned that the players had been reminded to adhere to the tactical plan drawn up to close down JDT's spaces and prevent the KRW FC goal from being breached easily. Irfan Bakti concluded by saying, "We are playing for the supporters, the state and the name of Kelantan. Tomorrow night, we will prove that this team cannot be easily brought down."