Kelantan United

Kelantan United Football Club is a Malaysian professional football club based in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Established in 2013, the club has quickly made a name for itself in Malaysian football as a competitive force with aspirations for higher achievements. The club’s vision is to reach the top level of football in Malaysia, and in a relatively short span, Kelantan United has demonstrated resilience, talent, and ambition to achieve its goals.

The club, known for its passionate fanbase and energetic style of play, has been part of the Malaysian football scene since its establishment. Over the years, Kelantan United has grown in stature, both on the pitch and within the community, making significant strides toward becoming a major player in the country’s football landscape.

The History of Kelantan United FC

Formation and Early Years

Founded in 2013, Kelantan United FC was established as a response to the growing desire for more competitive football in the Kelantan region. Initially, the club played in the lower divisions of Malaysian football, but it wasn’t long before they began to make waves with their determined performances.

The early years of the club were focused on developing a competitive squad and establishing their presence in the Malaysia Football League (MFL) structure. Kelantan United’s commitment to investing in youth development, player recruitment, and management strategies helped lay the foundation for future success.

Rise to Prominence in Malaysian Football

While Kelantan United was initially part of the Malaysia FAM League (the third tier of Malaysian football), their rise through the footballing ranks was swift. In the early stages, the team showcased a combination of youth and experience, pushing their way into higher divisions.

By 2018, Kelantan United had secured a place in the Malaysia Premier League, the second-tier competition in Malaysian football, where they continued to grow their reputation. Their performances in the league caught the attention of many football fans in Kelantan, who soon became loyal supporters of the team, giving rise to the "United" movement.

Promotion to Malaysia Super League

In 2020, Kelantan United achieved one of their most significant milestones: promotion to the Malaysia Super League, the top tier of Malaysian football. This achievement marked a new era for the club, as they now had the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the country.

The promotion to the Malaysia Super League solidified Kelantan United’s place among the elite clubs of Malaysia, and the team’s performance on the pitch, backed by their loyal fanbase, showed that they were ready to compete at the highest level. The club’s management aimed to build a team capable of challenging for league titles, cup competitions, and establishing a solid presence in Asian football.

Recent News and Updates

Kelantan United in the 2025 Malaysia Super League

As of 2025, Kelantan United is continuing to make an impact in the Malaysia Super League. The team is focused on developing a more competitive squad, making key signings in the transfer market, and improving their tactics to challenge for league titles.

This season, Kelantan United has been performing well under their experienced coach, Dollah Salleh, who has implemented a high-pressing, fast-paced style of play that has been working wonders in the league. The team has shown great improvement in their defensive structure while maintaining a potent attacking force.

Match Results and Updates

In recent fixtures, Kelantan United has been securing valuable points against strong competitors, showing resilience and determination to finish in the upper half of the table. Fans have been particularly impressed with the team’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches against their biggest rivals.

Key Players in 2025

• Mohd Faiz Subri: The star midfielder, known for his vision and playmaking ability, continues to be a key player in Kelantan United’s squad. His leadership on the pitch and creativity in the final third have been critical to the team’s success.

• Zulfahmi Arifin: The experienced central defender has played an integral role in organizing the backline for Kelantan United. His experience in Malaysia’s top tier has been invaluable for the team, especially in tight matches where defensive stability is essential.

• Wan Zaharulnizam: The club’s prolific striker, Wan Zaharulnizam, has been the team’s primary source of goals. His ability to score in important moments has made him one of the league’s standout forwards.

Upcoming Fixtures

The upcoming fixtures for Kelantan United will see them face big teams in the league, such as Johor Darul Ta'zim, Kedah FA, and Terengganu FC. These matches are crucial for the team’s hopes of finishing in a strong position in the league and securing a spot in Asian competitions.

Injury Updates and Squad Changes

Injury concerns have been a part of Kelantan United’s season, with a few key players sidelined. However, the club’s depth in the squad has helped mitigate these setbacks, with younger players stepping up to fill the gaps. Manager Dollah Salleh has emphasized the importance of squad rotation to keep players fresh and competitive throughout the season.

Key Players and Stats

Mohammad Khairul Azman – Goalkeeper

Khairul Azman is one of the most important players for Kelantan United. The goalkeeper has played a crucial role in keeping clean sheets and helping the team maintain a solid defensive record. Known for his shot-stopping abilities, Azman has been a standout performer in several high-pressure matches.

Wan Zaharulnizam – Forward

Zaharulnizam has been an integral part of the attack, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership up front. As one of the team’s top goal-scorers, his ability to find the back of the net has made him a fan favorite.

Mohd Faiz Subri – Midfielder

Subri continues to dominate the midfield with his creative play and ability to orchestrate attacks. His vision and passing range make him a key figure in Kelantan United's playmaking unit. Subri’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game has been vital for the team’s success.

Kelantan United's Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Kelantan United FC is focused on becoming a top-tier team in Malaysian football. With a strong youth academy, excellent infrastructure, and an ever-growing fanbase, the club has the potential to compete at the highest level of Southeast Asian football.

The club’s long-term vision is to challenge for the Malaysia Super League title, consistently qualify for AFC competitions, and build a strong foundation for the next generation of Kelantan footballers.

Kelantan United's Stadium: Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium

The home ground of Kelantan United FC, Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, is located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The stadium has a capacity of 40,000, making it one of the largest in Malaysia. It is a fortress for Kelantan United, with the home fans known for their passionate support. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric, especially during high-profile matches, and it is considered one of the most challenging venues for visiting teams in Malaysian football.

Conclusion

Kelantan United FC has come a long way since its establishment in 2013. With an ambitious vision, a talented squad, and the unwavering support of the Kelantan community, the club has solidified its place in Malaysian football. Their growth over the years, combined with a commitment to developing local talent and competing at the highest levels, makes Kelantan United a club to watch in the coming years.

With key players like Wan Zaharulnizam, Mohd Faiz Subri, and a solid coaching staff led by Dollah Salleh, Kelantan United FC is poised for greater success as they aim for domestic titles and a spot in Asian football competitions. Their ambition, coupled with a passionate fanbase, will continue to drive them forward in their pursuit of glory.