Melaka set to announce two new signings

PETALING JAYA: Melaka are set to unveil two players as replacements for Darko Markovic and Casagrande – the two foreigners who have left the team during the May 2-29 transfer window.

Melaka coach Zainal Abidin Hassan said the new signings will be confirmed in a day or two.

“We cannot reveal the details because the management are finalising the terms and conditions,” said Zainal.

“With eight more matches left, we need to bolster our team if we want to end the season on a positive note.

“These two new players have not played in the Malaysian League, and they come in with good pedigree but it is best not to reveal any details. I will let the management announce the new signings.”

Zainal hopes to have the players for their match against Perak at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on May 25.

The Mousedeers are currently fifth in the league with 19 points, only a point ahead of Perak, who are sixth with 18 points.

Melaka manager Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said there were reasons why Markovic and Casagrande were released from the club to join Super League side Kuala Lumpur and Premier League team Penang respectively.

“Markovic wanted to join Kuala Lumpur and already stated his wish to leave the club. So, it was best for us to let him go,” he said.

“As for Casagrande, he didn’t meet our target when it comes to goals. Some of his performances were below par. We felt the need to beef up the team and one of the priorities is to get a good striker,” said Yusoff.