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| FOREIGN SIGNINGS … from left, Mitrovic, Marwan and Pocuca are all set to don Sabah colours for the new season. |
The search for a fourth foreign player is on after the Sabah FA parted ways with striker Altin Grbovic on mutual understanding recently.
Head coach Seslija Milomir confirmed the Serbian’s departure, saying that they were left with no choice but to cut short Altin’s stint here due to his injury.
“He is having calf problem. Due to that, we have decided to let him go because we were made to understand that it would take time before he can fully recover,” said Milo.
“It is a sad decision, but there is no point in keeping him here if he is injured. We need someone who is fit and can play. But I think this an unfortunate scenario for us because he is a good player.
When asked whether they would look for replacement, Milo said it is up to the Sabah FA.
“I think there are plans to get replacement, but at the moment, we will stick to the three because the deadline for registration for players has already closed.
“So now, we just have to wait for the transfer window, which I think is either in March or April.
“And in the meantime, I will start looking for a good one,” he said.
It is believed that a former Sabah Brazilian attacking midfielder (name withheld) is in his radar.
With Altin’s gone, the remaining three foreign players are midfielder Mitrovic Srecko (30) of Serbia, Croatian defender Pocuca Predrag (28) and Syrian striker Marwan Sayedeh (29).
Meanwhile, Milo will have a squad of 26 players for the new season, including the foreign trio.
Of the figure, 15 are new faces, including two – Mohd Farid Ideris and Md Reithuddin Ag Emran – who are making a comeback.
Rozaimi Abdul Rahman is also returning to the State side from Harimau Muda so as flanker Maxius Musa, who played for Harimau Muda B in the S-League last year.
Only four senior players from last season squad are still with the team namely skipper Rosdin Wasli, Irwan Jamil, Zainizam Marjan and Julamri Muhamad.
Six players – Sabri Sahar, Dendy Lowa, Didie Arizal Ibrahim, Rexjeson Pitirus, Jenius Karib and Rawilson Batiul were promoted from the Reserve League squad.
The rest of the new faces are Mohd Fazli Paat (goalkeeper – Johor), Mohd Fazrul Iman Malan (goalkeeper – Beluran), Mohd Shahrul Chankui (right midfield – Beluran), Mohd Redzuan Nawi (midfield – Penang), Mohd Ezaidy Mohammad Khadar (midfield – Johor), Varathan A/l Arumugam (KL), Wan Mohd Hoesne Wan Hussein (defender – Selangor), Isma Alif Mohd Salim (midfield – Perak) and Pritam Singh A/L Charun Singh (midfield – KL).
