KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA has terminated the services of two of its foreign players.Nigerian duo Prince Etuwe Eboagwa’s and Prince Ativie Guy’s stay in the Land below the Wind has been cut short.
Defender Eboagwa was forced to part ways with the Rhinos after nursing a long-term injury, while striker Prince Ativie left the team after failing to land a new contract following the expiry of his short-term deal with the FA.
With the latest development, the duo’s countryman Charles Obi is the only foreign player left.
“We are looking for new foreign players and hopefully we will get the right men ahead of the next Premier League game or at least before the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals,” said Rahman Zakaria yesterday.
“Several players have attended trials, but so far we have yet to make up our mind because there will be more coming within the next few days.
“We have several Brazilians as well as Africans, but until we find the right men, the search will go on,” the Rhinos’ team manager added.
On Eboagwa’s fate, Rahman said that they decided to part ways through a mutual agreement.
“He is suffering an injury on his right foot and we were made to understand that it will take time to recover and that he will be out of action for at least one month or more.
“Even if he recovers in time for our Malaysia Cup quarter-final match against Negeri Sembilan, he won’t be ready as he has already been out of action for so long.
“We are sorry that he no longer can contribute to the team for the rest of the season, but that’s football. We would like to thank him for the contribution he has made to the team.”
As for Prince Ativie, Rahman said that they have decided to end their ties with the striker after the latter failed to show any kind of consistency in his game.
“He is a good player, but unfortunately he has failed to play up to our expectations. We need a player who can contribute more to the team.
“We would like to wish them all the best in their careers,” said Rahman.
Sabah failed in their bid to gain promotion to the Super League next season.
They are currently fifth in the 11-team standings behind Super League-bound Premier League leaders Police and UPB-MyTEAM. Selangor PKNS are third and Johor Pasir Gudang fourth.
Sabah’s remaining Premier League fixtures are against Police (July 3) and PKNS (July 31).
After the completion of the Premier League, Sabah will resume their Malaysia Cup challenge where they face Negeri Sembilan in the last eight.
