Penang FA chief executive officer Bojan Hodak is confident of his team's survival in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) after the island outfit mounted a mini-revival after the mid-season break.
The midweek 3-2 triumph over Kedah was Penang's second in three games in July, temporarily lifting them out of the drop zone until PDRM FA beat Terengganu 24 hours later. They are in 11th spot but only three points behind fifth placed Kelantan.
When Hodak was installed CEO in May, the team were floundering with only one league win from 12 matches.
The Penang FA gave the experienced Croatian full control over the state side. He responded by teaming up with fellow countryman Nenad Bacina -- he's head coach and manager -- to inspire the Panthers to a four-match unbeaten run.
"The team was not balanced before this. We had the wrong signings, and the squad was filled by inexperienced players who mostly played in the lower leagues," Hodak told ESPN FC.
"But, after collecting seven points from the last three games, I am beginning to see a change. I've always been someone who takes each game as they come, and the last few results will be a huge morale boost for us."
One of the key factors in Penang's turnaround is their mid-season transfer window signings of South Korean Jeong Seok-min and Nigerian striker Ranti Martins.
Seok-min, who netted a brace against Kedah, is already the team's joint top scorer with five goals, alongside the departed Osas Saha. The versatile midfielder is also the only player in the MSL with more goals than appearances, having featured only three times so far.
Martins, a five-time I-league Golden Boot winner, bagged a double in his debut against T-Team on July 16.
Hodak said: "Seok-min has already scored five for us, but his midfield experience will be just as important as his goals. Ranti has great fighting spirit, he was not fully fit against Kedah but still wanted to play.
"I will expect more from him in the coming matches."
The former defender, who had been courted by Penang for some time, also admitted taking up the offer not fully aware of its broad responsibilities.
"I thought being CEO would mean less work, but it looks like I have more job on my hands," he admitted.
"But I love this island. I wanted to live here after buying my house in 2013. The fans are passionate about football, and we get a solid crowd in almost every home game. If the club is managed well, and funds used wisely, we should stay up."
Hodak, who guided Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) to their maiden MSL title in 2014, is relishing the visit of his former side to the City Stadium on Aug 3.
"We have nothing to lose in this game," he said. "Everyone expects JDT to win, as they are currently the best team. But we have a bunch of boys who are in high spirits, and anything can happen."