New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: It is likely to be no-go for at least six Sabahawks players who have been offered the chance to play in the Malaysia Cup competition, which is expected to kick off in early September, 2012.
It is learnt that the Sabah FA has decided not to release any of its players to any teams, including national Under-22 striker Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman, who was reported to have agreed terms with Selangor.
A reliable source told the New Sabah Times Sports that the decision was made at the FA’s team management meeting that was held last Friday.
The source, who prefers anonymity, added that there are several factors for the decision.
Among them are that the FA is planning to make early preparations for the 2013 season, where the State senior squad is heading back to the Premier League following their demotion at the end of the just concluded Super League 2012 after finishing 13th among the 14 teams.
The feat also saw them miss the cut for the prestigious Malaysia Cup competition as only the top 12 teams in the Super League and top four from the Premier League make up the competition.
They also fear that the players might get injured while on loan with their respective teams.
At the same time, they are also worried that these players might be tempted with lucrative offers from other states.
But the main reason is that they want to get the ball rolling in preparing for the new season where among the plans are that they are contemplating on organising a four-corner tournament during the Malaysia Cup tournament.
Besides Selangor, who wants Rozaimi, other teams that have expressed their intention to get Sabahawks players on loan are Negeri Sembilan, Sarawak, Kelantan and T-Team.
Kelantan is interested to get the services of Sabahawks utility man Mafry Balang while T-Team is eyeing Sumardi Hajalan and Shahrul Azhar Ture.
Sarawak is interested in the crocked Zainizam Marjan and Shahrudin Yakup.
As for Negeri Sembilan, they have publicly shown their interest in several players, but are secretive on their targets.
It is also learnt that players have been notified by the FA on the matter.
It remains to be seen whether the FA’s decision is final on the matter, but time will tell as the FA will be holding another team management meeting this Saturday.
