KL opt for Brazilian coach

DATELINE Premier League side Kuala Lumpur have gone with relatively unknown Brazilian Wanderley Junior to coach the city side next season.

Wanderley takes over from Ismail Zakaria, who announced his intention to leave last week after being in charge for just one season.

The new coach, who arrived last weekend, has already taken charge of training after signing a six-month contract.

Wanderley had previously coached Indonesian club Perseman Manokwari in 2014 and also spent a few years as assistant coach in Thailand, where he was No 2 to former Kuala Muda Naza coach Stefano Cugurra Teco at Royal Thai Navy FC in 2016.

Kuala Lumpur FA general secretary Nokman Mustaffa confirmed the appointment of Wanderley.

“He has experience coaching in several Asean countries and is familiar with the type of football in this region,” said Nokman in explaining their choice of Wanderley.

“We needed someone who could start work immediately and he has already taken charge of the team’s training sessions.

“We are still looking for a few more signings to complete the team which we hope to make happen soon.”

KL only retained eight players from the 2016 season, including Malian midfielder Modibo Konte.

KL, however, have lured former national team forward Manaf Mamat from Kelantan, who joins defenders Azmeer Yusof (Kedah) and Hisyamuddin Shaari (Perak) and winger Ashri Chuchu (Sarawak) in signing with KL.

Former KL striker Syafwan Syahlan has also returned to the team after spending the whole of 2016 on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury.

KL have also finalised the signings of Argentines Carlos Chamorro and Nicolas Dul from third-tier sides Club Atletico Colegiales and Athletico Chaco respectively.

The city team are still on the look out for a defender to fill their Asian import quota.