Daily Express
By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadaus are set to recruit at least one new player during the open transfer window which begins tomorrow (Thursday).
Sabah Football Association (Safa) acting President Datuk Peter Anthony (pic) disclosed this on Tuesday following news that Luka Milunovic, who was on loan from Melaka United at the start of the season, will return to his old team.
“At this moment, we will be looking for at least one new import player to fill in the quota left vacant by Luka who will be returning to Melaka United.
“I hope we can get an even better import player with the limited time that we have to strengthen the team in the second round,” he said.
According to him, a few foreign players have shown their interest to don Tambadaus’ colours, but they will need to go on trial first to ensure the team will get the best available player.
He admitted time is not on their side to have all four import players for the match against Selangor United this Saturday (May 4), but they will try their very best to recruit one as soon as possible.
Sabah are currently with only three foreign import players in defender Park Tae Su from South Korea, attacking players Luiz Carlos Junior from Brazil and Serbian Rodoljub Paunovic.
Peter, who is also State Infrastructure Development Minister, added that there is strong possibility to take more than one new player during the transfer window which ends on May 29.
“It is all down to the needs of the team and the recommendation from the management and coaches.
“If dropping any players and recruiting of new ones will help to strengthen the team, then we will consider it, as this is normal practice in football.
“What we want is the best for the team especially to achieve our target of winning promotion to the Super League next season. We are now at the half way line and I hope the team will continue to play well in the second half season towards achieving our goal.”
He also stressed that the team’s main priority is to focus on the match this Saturday at Likas Stadium.
“I think the absence of Luka will not affect the team much, even without a replacement by this Saturday.
“The team proved that by beating UKM (3-1) in their last match without his presence, and I hope the winning run will continue against Selangor United.”
