KOTA KINABALU: Salvester Sindeh will not be playing for Sabah after all after being given an ultimatum by his employer – the Royal Police of Malaysia.
He was told “play for us or resign” as his attempt to play for his birth state Sabah for the third consecutive season evaporated!
The latest twist has left Sabah with a lightweight attacking department as former international Zainizam Marjan is the only experienced front man left in the team.
The other two are both rookies namely Alto Linus and Hamidin Amat as another striker, Zaykiel Leong seems to have turned down the offer to play for his own state team.
Speaking to the New Sabah Times Sport yesterday, Salvester said he was disappointed after being told by his employer about their decision.
“The Police Sports Council conveyed the decision to me yesterday and there is not much I can do now. As much as I want to play for the State, but I cannot go against their wishes because they are my employer,” a dejected Salvester said.
Salvester also hinted that he may not feature in the M-League for the new season after refusing to move his base from the Sabah capital to the national capital.
“I have explained my problems to them, and I hope they understand my situation,” said Salvester.
On the other hand, Sabah FA is not giving up hope of getting Salvetser’s services just yet.
“I’ll be going to Kuala Lumpur next week for a meeting and I will take this opportunity to talk to them (Police),” said Harry Baking.
The FA Executive Secretary said that they will try their best to get their man before launching their hunt for another striker should their attempt to get Salvester fail.
“Salvester has been with us for the last two seasons, and he is one of our key players. It will be a great loss to lose a dedicated and committed player like him,” Harry admitted.
Sabah are running out of time in getting a replacement for Salvester as the M-League is scheduled to kick off on January 9, 2009 where Sabah are set to play their first match of the season away to Kuala Lumpur.
