Melaka hunts fifth import player

PETALING JAYA, Jan 17 (Bernama) – The Super League team, Melaka, has almost finalised its quota of five import players to bolster the Kancil squad for the 2019 Malaysian League which starts on February 1.

Malacca chief coach Zainal Abidin Hassan said he was looking into the service of a player in the defence position from Asian or ASEAN countries for Melaka.

"So far we've got four import players - Montenegro, Serbia, South Korea and Brazil.

‘’There is a potential import player we are eyeing who is still in the 2019 Asia Cup and another is waiting for the management’s approval. We will choose one of them to fill the Asian/ASEAN player quota,’’ Zainal said when met by Bernama after attending the launch of the 2019 Malaysian Football League (MFL) season here today.

Meanwhile, Zainal said he was satisfied with the positive results of the six pre-season friendlies against Selangor United, Negeri Sembilan and representatives of the Singapore League, Warriors FC, and three recent friendlies in Vietnam recently.

He also revealed that his team would play in two more warm-up matches against Sarawak on Jan 21 and UiTM FC several days later in Melaka, in its final preparation to face the opening action of the 2019 Super League against Petaling Jaya City FC at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka on Feb 2.

Petaling Jaya City FC, prior to this, was known as MIFA and was promoted to the 2019 Super League after meeting the conditions set by MFL.

Asked about the captain’s band, Zainal said it was up to the Melaka United Soccer Association (MUSA) to make a final decision.

MUSA, prior to this, managed to obtain the services of several former national players, namely, Safiq Rahim from Johor Darul Ta’zim, Muhammad Shukor Adan (Felda United) and Mohd Razman Roslan (Selangor) who had headed their teams.

“We will hold a management meeting with the players and officials and will decide on who will be shouldering the duties of captain,’’ Zainal said.

-- BERNAMA