By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: Former national Under-23 striker Rozaimi Abd Rahman could make a shock return into the State Premier League squad.
It is understood that his place in Vjeran Simunic’s squad is only subject to a medical, which will be done later this month.
In fact, the 23-year-old Rozaimi who was one of the numerous players who did not have their contracts renewed for the new season, is already training with the team.
It seems that the Sabah FA has had a change of heart and is willing to give the Bongawan-born player a second chance to win a place in the team for the new season, which is expected to kick off mid February.
Even newly-appointed head coach Simunic is willing to help Rozaimi regain his best.
“I have always heard about Rozaimi as being a talented player and I also heard that he is injury prone. “As a coach, I believe he (Rozaimi) can get back to his best albeit that it will take a little bit of time,” said Simunic, when met at the team’s training at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex synthetic field here yesterday.
According to the Croatian, he was also being told that Rozaimi will not be able to get back to the player that he once was.
However, the 62-year-old Simunic refused to accept the fact, until he sees the latter in action on the field. “There are quite a number of people who told me that Rozaimi is ‘finished’, he was always injured and much more, but I’m willing to help him because I believe in him like I believe in any other player in the team,” Simunic said.
Meanwhile, Rozaimi when contacted refused to reveal which team he will represent this upcoming season.
“I’ll make a decision soon, but if Sabah still need my services I’m willing to remain here,” said Rozaimi, who has also received several offers from other teams.
