Terengganu FC have officially announced the return of Nafuzi Zain as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Malaysia League season, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the East Coast giants.
The 47-year-old tactician has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the helm of the Turtles until May 2028, overseeing the club through the 2026/27 and 2027/28 campaigns.
The appointment reunites Terengganu FC with one of the club’s most successful modern-era coaches, whose previous spell helped establish the team as one of the Malaysian Super League’s most consistent contenders.
Nafuzi is no stranger to the Terengganu faithful.
During his first stint from 2019 to 2022, he transformed the Turtles into genuine title challengers, guiding the club to a third-place Super League finish in 2020 before delivering an outstanding 2022 campaign that saw Terengganu finish Super League runners-up while also reaching the FA Cup final.
His tactical philosophy, attractive style of football and ability to maximise the squad earned widespread admiration among supporters, making his return one of the most anticipated coaching appointments in Malaysian football.
Nafuzi’s return comes at a pivotal moment as Terengganu FC embark on a comprehensive rebuilding process with renewed ambition and a clearly defined long-term vision.
The club believes his deep understanding of Terengganu’s football culture, familiarity with the organisation and strong connection with the supporters will prove invaluable in restoring the team to the upper reaches of Malaysian football.
Club management sees the experienced coach as the ideal leader to guide the next phase of development while building a squad capable of competing consistently across all competitions.
Preparations for the upcoming season have already begun.
Working closely with Terengganu FC’s Technical and Selection Committee, Nafuzi has started identifying both local and foreign signings that fit his tactical philosophy.
The club is carefully assembling a balanced squad by combining experienced players with fresh additions, aiming to create a competitive team capable of challenging for domestic honours.
Recruitment and squad planning are progressing steadily as Terengganu seek to build a side that reflects the head coach’s footballing identity and long-term vision.
Terengganu FC believe Nafuzi’s extensive experience in Malaysian football, coupled with his proven record at the club, makes him the perfect candidate to spearhead the team’s latest project.
His appointment underlines the club’s commitment to building a competitive, disciplined and clearly identifiable squad capable of consistently competing at the highest level of Malaysian football.
For the Terengganu faithful, the return of a familiar face brings renewed optimism that the club can once again establish itself among the country’s elite.
As Nafuzi Zain begins his second spell in charge, both the club and its supporters will be hoping this homecoming ushers in another successful era for the Turtles.
Credit Photo : TFC
