KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos may have an extra one month to prepare for the new season. It was learnt that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) will likely defer the Premier League’s kick off from November 19 to December with a date yet to be fixed.
However, no change is expected for the Super League as it is expected to kick off as scheduled on November 17. But then, the Super League will still get a break during the Korat Sea Games in December. Super League action will résumé soon after the Games.
For the record, the 24th Edition of the Sea Games in Korat, Thailand will be held from December 6 to 15. And it is likely that the Premier League will kick off once the Games are over; with December 17 as the likely date.
The Rhinos team manager Rahman Zakaria welcomed the postponement to December.
“If the Premier League starts in December it will give us more time to prepare, and of course it will do us good. It is also an opportunity for the players to try and improve themselves.
“Furthermore, if it starts in December, we’ll have ample time in signing foreign players as we are still looking for two more, and also with this breathing space we won’t be in a rush for any signings.
On their upcoming friendly matches against DPPM of Brunei and a club from Indonesia, Rahman said that it will go ahead as planned.
“We will be up against DPPM on November 4 in Labuan and will take on a club side from Indonesia on November 10 in Tawau,” said Rahman.
“And now we might consider hosting a quadrangular tournament if the Premier League kicks off in December,” Rahman added.
For the record, the draw for the new season will take place on November 3 in the national capital.
