Daily Express
Kota Kinabalu: Former Dundee captain Rhys David Weston is the first foreign import confirmed to play for the Sabah Premier League team next season.
The Welsh international flew in from London via Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night and was received by coach David McCreery, Johnny Dominicus and Sabah Football Association official Amsir Abdullah at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Sabah FA Secretary General Alijus Sipil has confirmed to Express Sports on Wednesday that the central defender will be offered a one year contract.
Rhys came early last month for a one week trial here and his undoubted skills with both feet as well as his commanding display on the field had won praises from both fellow players and coaches alike.
He said earlier that he was first informed by an agent on the possibility of playing here after quitting Dundee whom he helped guide to a second place finish in the Scottish first division last season.
He admitted that he had never heard of Sabah before but decided to take the chance and was genuinely impressed with the place and people here and was willing to offer his service for the team next season as he felt that it is a very good opportunity for him to try something new in this part of the world after more than 400 games as a professional.
Another import from Ivory Coast who is said to be a top striker is also on his way here early next week.
Alijus added that the team is still looking for players from other teams to beef up the squad and they have approached a few of the players but was unable to reveal their names as yet because they are still under contract with their current employer.
As for the local front, unless there is a big surprise in the selection trial this weekend then it is almost a done deal with some of the currently players who have been training under David for the past few months are set to be named in the final squad.
Meanwhile, Alijus said the open trial for the State team is still on and they will be held at the Likas Complex B field starting at 8am from Nov 9-11.
The State FA will also be holding a trial to select players for the President Cup (Under-21) and the Youth team (Under-19) from Nov 10-11 at the Likas Sukma Field.
Alijus urged those who missed out on the chance to attend the previous trials which was held at several districts since September, to attend the session which will be conducted by Justin Ganai and Matasan Ahmad.
He also disclosed that 20 players have been shortlisted for the President Cup and 23 players for the Under-19 squad so far.
