KOTA KINABALU: Wong Sai Kong is the latest local import to have left the Rhinos.
The utility player, who had initially expressed his desire to renew his ties with the team, is believed to have had a change of heart! It is understood that the former international is likely to join his former team Sarawak.
“He is likely to join Sarawak because his wife is from there,” a reliable source told the New Sabah Times Sport yesterday.
Wong was seen training with the Rhinos for about two days last week, but since then he has not been seen with the team.
Yesterday, he was also nowhere to be seen at the Rhinos’ training at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex field B in Likas.
The other local imports who have left the team are Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Munir Amran, Hishamuddin Othman, Chow Chee Wing and Mohd Nafuzi Zain.
Bobby Gonzales is also leaving the team. The striker is set to sign for Brunei’s DPMM.
And that is not all as both Salvester Sindeh as well as Eddie Gapil are also looking at the exit door as the duo are expected to be called by their employer – Police for the new season.
These nine players were all regulars for the Rhinos last season.
And now the exodus of players has left the Rhinos with a lot of rebuilding work for the squad for the new season.
Among those that are still sticking to the team are all local lads.
Among them are skipper Rosdin Wasli and Zainizam Marjan, Mohd Radzi Hussin, Zulamri Muhammad, Azrul Ejati Damsah, Henry Parsi, Hardy Charles Parsi, Zuraindey Jumai and the three goalkeepers – Irwan Jamil, Harold John and Mohd Salawi Jasad.
And with the FA of Malaysia decided to do away with the foreign players for the new season, it is very likely that Sabah is going to parade an all-local side.
At the moment, there are several ex-Rhinos and ex-junior Rhinos trying to make it into the team.
Among them are Rezuan Aman Khan, Gasili Pengalot, Mafry Ballang, Restu Emat and Vun Ket Ming @ Billyton to name a few.
The coach-less Rhinos are currently training under the watchful eyes of assistant coach Burhan Ajui.
Meanwhile, the Sabah FA had postponed its team management meeting scheduled for yesterday.
Its executive secretary Harry Baking said that they have put off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.
He pointed out that the new date for the meeting will be Monday.
Harry said the hiring of a new chief coach will be among the issues to be discussed during the meeting.
