Melaka United recruit Safiq Rahim, Shukor Adan

MELAKA, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Melaka United had obtained the services of two former national team captains, Shukor Adan and Safiq Rahim to strengthen its player line-up in facing the 2019 Malaysia League competition.

Melaka United had also recruited former Selangor skipper Mohd Razman Roslan and five more players, namely, former Perak player Mohd Nazrin Mohd Nawi;  R. Gopinathan (JDT), Wan Amirul Afiq Wan Abdul Rahman (Felda United), Saiful Ridzuwan Selamat (Selangor) dan Mohd Raimi Md Nor (Penang).

Melaka United Soccer Association (MUSA) president Adly Zahari the presence of the line-up of experienced players proved MUSA’s seriousness in forming the best combination and boosting the performance of Melaka United with the capability they had.

‘’This will simultaneously match the competition in the Super League action next season. This initiative proves we do our level best to prepare the best team from the beginning via discussions with the management and I am very proud of their willingness to be with Melaka United.

‘’We are confident of the credibility of the chief coach, coaching line-up and the list of existing players. We are capable of building a strong team which can take the competition to the opposition,’’ he told a press conference after a contract signing ceremony for the players in Air Keroh here today.

Also present was MUSA deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, Melaka United chief coach Zainal Abidin Hassan and assistant chief coach Mohd Nidzam Adzha Yusoff.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusoff said ​​Melaka United had also dropped four import players while one more, namely, for the Asian quota, (Lee Chang Hoon) was still in the discussion and observation stages due to an injury haunting the South Korean player despite his good performance.

‘’For the moment, we first complete the local players’ list. For import players, the coaching line-up are still evaluating the players to be brought in because we want better quality players who can help the team,’’ he said.

Earlier, Melaka United also retained four of last season’s players, namely, Nurshamil Abd Ghani, Mohamad Faris Shah Mohd Rosli, Mohd Faizal Muhammad and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Meanwhile, seven other players who were brought in for the coming season were, Muhamad Zharif Md. Desa, Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee, S. Deevan, M. Kavishkumar; Wan Mohd. Syukri Wan Ahmad; Wong Tse Yang dan Mohammad Nor Ubaidullah Abd Rahman.

-- BERNAMA