PENANG FC CONFIDENT IN ABILITIES OF NEW IMPORT NETO OLIVEIRA

BUKIT MERTAJAM, May 5 (Bernama) — The opening match of the Super League against Sabah FC on May 12 will be the first opportunity to test the true capabilities of Penang FC's new import player, Neto Oliveira, who has yet to showcase his full potential.

Penang FC head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli said that the 26-year-old Brazilian is likely to be in the starting lineup, but the team is still monitoring his performance and fitness level since he has only been training with the team for a week.

However, Akmal is confident that Oliveira, given his experience with several professional clubs in Brazil's league, including Santos FC, will quickly adapt to the team, with support from three other import players namely Rodrigo Dias, Rafael Vitor, and Richmond Ankrah, who is on loan from Selangor FC.

"Rafael Vitor, Richmond, and also (Rodrigo) Dias have been with the team for over a month, so they are already in sync with each other, but Neto (Oliveira) has only joined for a week. He may need some time to adapt and understand what the team wants to achieve in the game," he said.

Akmal was speaking to reporters after the launch of the Penang FC 2024/2025 jerseys, officiated by the  Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman, Daniel Gooi, here today.

According to him, the addition of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) player Mohamed Syamer Kutty Abba, who has joined the team on loan this season, has had a significant impact on the entire Panthers squad.

"His experience at JDT and with the national team has been brought into the team. Additionally, his teammates are more confident with Syamer Kutty in midfield, which helps the team greatly, especially when defending and attacking," he said.

Oliveira joined the Panthers on April 27 after honing his skills as an attacking midfielder, playing for Flamengo FC, Sao Jose FC, Gremio Osasco FC, and Portuguesa Santista FC. Mohamed Syamer, a Penang native who previously wore the Panthers jersey in 2016 and 2017 before joining JDT in 2018, returned to Penang FC on April 12.

For the record, last season, Penang FC finished 10th in the Super League, reached the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, and advanced to the semifinals of the Challenge Cup.

— BERNAMA