Chance for locals to join Rhinos
Local players will be given a chance to don state colours if they can prove themselves worthy to be members of what might be a “newlook” Sabah squad.
KOTA KINABALU: Local players will be given a chance to don state colours if they can prove themselves worthy to be members of what might be a “new-look” Sabah squad.
Sabah Rhinos head coach Jelius Ating said there will be a training camp for those players who have been identified and or will be invited to join.
“We let them train with the team first so they can get suited with the requirements such as fitness.
“This gives them space and opportunity to do their best to earn a state jersey. All will be determined in the final test later including in a friendly match that we will have,” Jelius said when met here Friday.
The curtain fell on the Premier League season at the end of October but the Rhinos returned to the training field just two weeks later.
“Up to now 25 players are training and they include existing players, a few from the junior squad and some other locals who have been identified,” he said.
Sabah's foreign import from Korea, Heo Jaenyong is already with the team, but compatriot Lee Gil Hoon has yet to join as he is attending a coaching course in Penang.
Two other imports last season, Rodoljub Paunovic from Serbia and Francis Kasonde from Zimbia are both at the end of their contracts.
Rahman Shah Marajeh, Saliun Mastar and Radzi Hussin played for the Rhinos last season but have not yet join training due to recovery process of surgery on injuries.
“The number of players will increase next Monday with the presence of players that have been identified from the junior squad. There will also be some from local clubs as well as some former state players who were in club action last season.
“I hope to make the final decision (on the local players) after the friendly game here. It will be with a team from Indonesia and likely to be held early next month,” he said.
Jelius said the need for local imports will be determined based on the team's needs and only if suitable local candidates are lacking.
“We received many calls and applications from the Peninsula but our focus is currently still on local players from Sabah,” he said.
For the record, Sabah concluded seventh on 30 points in the 12team Premier League standings last season (2016). They played 22 matches with a record of nine wins, three draws and 10 defeats.
Jelius, who was previously in charge of the State Under-19 squad, was asked to take charge of the main team. The rookie coach was called in to replace Steve Vilmiaire after nine matches into the season.
After 14 matches under Jelius' charge saw Sabah notch eight wins, two draws and four defeats.