Malaysia Cup: Bakti Wants Chepita To Shine
With the Malaysian Super League banning foreigners from playing next season, Perlis coach Irfan Bakti expects Zambian striker Philimon Chepita to leave the club on a high.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Sunday that no foreigners will be allowed to ply their trade in the Super League and second-tiered Premier League from next year.
"The council felt that with the presence of foreign players, local players have not been given the opportunity," said Khairy Jamaluddin, FAM deputy president told reporters after a committee meeting over the weekend.
The FAM’s decision has affected Perlis’ long-serving Zambian forward Philimon Chepita, who has been with the club since 2003. But after Perlis’ Malaysia Cup campaign, the 28-year-old will be without a club, despite firing his team to three consecutive finals from 2004.
Speaking to The Star newspaper, Perlis boss Irfan Bakti believes the decision made by the FAM could have made things worse for Chepita, who has been firing blanks lately.
“The FAM announcement for an all-local league has made matters worse. I accept their decision but I am disappointed over the timing of it.
“Instead of being focused on the Malaysia Cup, the foreign players are all feeling worried about their uncertain future. I am having a tough time motivating the three players in my team.”
The club’s other two foreign players are Moroccan defender Hassan Souaid and Argentine striker Gustavo Chena.
With Perlis playing Terengganu in the first-leg quarter-final on Wednesday and the return leg on Saturday, Bakti wants Chepita to put behind the uncertainty surrounding his future and focus on the Malaysia Cup.
“Chepita has not been at his best in our last three matches. He is a pale shadow of the striker who tormented defences over the years and needs to get his scoring act right immediately,” he added.
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