By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: It’s all systems go for newcomers DYS FC in their preparations for the upcoming FAM Cup challenge 2016.
They have tied up 26 players to spearhead their charge in the country’s third tier league as they quietly set their sights on Premier League promotion.
They have every reason to dream big.
They have experience in their side, and in fact, more than a dozen of their players have seen action at this level or higher.
Their team captain, Md Reithuddin Ag Emran is a former state defender. They also have former national and state striker Zainizam Marjan in their squad.
Players like Md June Azral Lalah, Jufrey Omopor, Razid Gapar, Azrul Ejati Damsah, Billy Doliante and Shahrul Chankui have all seen action with the state senior side.
That is not all as they also have quite a number of former Reserve League players, namely Hafizan Jahar, Justin Samaan, Fneckly Baris, Ibrahim Abu Nawas and Mohd Adiafandi Dullah.
Shairul Boidi and Mohd Arfiyanshah too have the experience of playing at this level, having featured for Sabah Cebagoo FC in the league in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
While the rest of the players in the team are Asri Mudain, Harnoman Appid, Md Azfar Ahaja, Md Helmi Ahlok, Md Shahrul Asmadi, Mohd Azlan Shah, Saad Abd Taib, Alan Doliante, Abdifieyan Angking, Abd Hafiz Madina and Datu Muhd Armin.
Team manager Muhammad Abdul Karim did not hide their intention of doing well in the competition.
“We expect to face strong challenges from other teams but our target, frankly, is to secure Premier League promotion next season,” Muhammad said, when met after seeing his side going down 0-2 to the state Premier League team in a friendly at the UMS Stadium on Tuesday.
“We have registered 26 players, and overall, these players have the experience having played for the state team. Some of them have also seen action with clubs outside Sabah, and we hope that they will help lead the team to do well.
On the friendly match,
Muhammad said that the tie helped them to identify their weaknesses and they would rectify it before the season kicks off.
“Going on tonight’s (Tuesday) match, we detected that the stamina and fitness of our players is a weaknesses and that must be overcome. God willing we will try to improve this in our training sessions so that we are better prepared when the FAM league kicks off,” he added.
Meanwhile, the club has named Stanley Chew as the head coach.
In the team list made available to the media yesterday, the veteran coach will be assisted by Abd Rahman Mohd Noor, while Irwan Jamil is the goalkeeper coach.
