Two new players to strengthen state squad — Billyton
KOTA KINABALU: The state football Under-19 squad have two new players to help them win matches for the remaining part of the Youth Cup League this season.
They are midfielders Muhammad Syahryl Aimin Saiddin @ Ayie from Kiulu and Ritchie Svenson Fred Donny @ Chen Ho from Manggatal.
Head coach Billyton Vun Kit Ming said the two players were roped in as part of efforts to strengthen the team’s area of weakness in midfield.
“Both players will fill the slots left behind after we released Maccolin, Sharizan Jefrin and Danial Gabriel Francis, recently.
“The three players still have a bright future ahead because they are only 16 and 17 years old and I don’t see why they cannot re-join the team if they work harder,” he said when contacted here, yesterday. According to Billyton, Ayie and Cheng Ho have natural abilities to help the team beef up in the midfield area. “Ayie can play behind the strikers in an attacking role, while Chen Ho is good as a defensive midfielder,” said Billyton.
He said the team would continue to train to ensure the players are constantly in form throughout the month-long break.
“We just found our rhythm not too long ago and we are trying our best to fight back. We didn’t get the best start to the season so I just want the team to be ready when the challenge resumes,” he said.
Sabah are currently in second place from the bottom in the 11team Group B standings. They are on nine points with a record of three wins and eight defeats.
They will resume their Youth Cup League challenge with an away match to Selangor on June 19.