Bulgarian Popov has been tasked to ensure Kelantan finish in the top four of the Super League and reach the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup. He made his debut as Kelantan head coach playing against Selangor on away match on 18 May in Shah Alam Stadium with impressive performance played more than 70 min with 10 players after the red card of Wan Zack in the massive derby draw 0–0. Popov reached the most impressive and biggest win ever in the history of the club in away official match for Kelantan on 15 July against Terengganu with 6–1 in Kuala Terengganu in the East Coast Derby for the Malaysian Super League Week 14. Kelantan under Popov's guidance became the first team alongside Kedah to qualify for this year's Malaysia Cup quarter-finals after 3 wins and one draw in their first 4 matches in the group stage with 2 matches more left before the end. He left the club after his contract was not extended for 2017. On 30 November 2016, Kelantan Football Association has announced that former Kelantan player and interim head coach, Zahasmi Ismail will return to "The Red Warriors" as their new head coach for M-League 2017. Kelantan has been without a head coach after Velizar Popov decided not to renew his contract with Kelantan due to the financial restrictions that Kelantan FA is currently having. The interim president of Kelantan FA, Afandi Hamzah stated that Zahasmi's appointment was made after several discussion were held between the two parties. In 1993 Kelantan entered the semi-finals of the Malaysia FA Cup, but lost to Kedah. Kedah defeated Kelantan with a narrow 3–2 win to enter the finals. The two goals scored by Kelantan came from Hashim Mustapha and Tuan Kamree Tuan Yahya. While in reciprocal action in Kota Bharu, Kelantan lost 0–1. The referee during that game Mohd Jamil Zakaria from Perak was attacked by Kelantan supporters who not satisfied with his decision. Karathu first eleven was Kamaruzaman Wan Mohamad, Zahasmi Ismail, Mustapha Aziz, S. Silvarajoo, Zami Mohd Nor, Mohd Zaidi, Tuan Kamree Tuan Yahya, Hashim Mustapha and assisted by 3 import players Dimitri Kalkalnov, Michael Anthony and Kraljevic Marco.