FELDA GET THEIR MAN

Sathianathan signs towering Aussie defender

REPORTS BY AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

FELDA United signed former Australian international Dino Djulbic yesterday as a replacement for Lebanese centre-back Mootaz Jounaidi. Coach B. Sathianathan believes that the towering Djulbic, who plays centreback, will add stability to his defence.

Felda have the second best defence in the Super League, conceding only 15 goals in 13 matches. They are currently sixth in the standings with 17 points.

Felda have already dropped Argentine striker Gaston Cellerino and signed Brazilian Thiago Fernandes.

Striker Lucas Cano’s position in the team is also not secured as Felda have been testing several options in recent friendly matches.

“I hope by signing Djulbic, our defence will not concede unnecessary goals when the league resumes. I am also looking for a striker to partner Fernandes,” said Sathianathan.

“I hope by making these changes we will be able to achieve our top four target in the league and also go far in the Malaysia Cup.

“I think it is too late to win the league. Darul Ta’zim are too far ahead but you will never know as anything is possible in football. Darul Ta’zim have the best local and foreign players, and they should be winning everything… I think the league is for them to lose.

“The Malaysia Cup is a special tournament. I hope to guide Felda into the final this time.

Sathianathan disclosed that Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme has offered his services to Felda after a failed stint with Ligue 1 side Angers in France.

“However, we cannot afford Nwakaeme as he wants a high salary.”

On Tuesday, Sathianathan’s side were held 1-1 by the national under-22 team in a friendly in Kelana Jaya.

“The national under-22 side have quality but they did not play to their true abilities. They were not sharp and lacked the intensity and speed.

“This is normal as I think coach Ong Kim Swee is focusing on helping his players gain match fitness for the playing tour in China,” Sathianathan added.