Andik will have to work for place in Selangor
INDONESIAN international Andik Vermansyah will not gain automatic entry into the Selangor team when the M-League midseason transfer window opens on May 15.
Selangor coach P. Maniam will only consider Andik, who reported to the club only three days ago following a knee injury at last year’s AFF Cup, if he regains his fitness.
The 26-year-old, known as ‘Indonesian Messi’, has a contract until November with Selangor.
Andik’s impending inclusion for the second half of the season would see either Romanian Victor Astafei or Brazilian Juliano Fernandes being dropped from the team.
The contracts of Astafei and Fernandes will expire on June 30.
“Andik reported to us three days ago. The midfielder did not show any signs of discomfort in our training sessions following a knee surgery (in January),” said Maniam yesterday.
“I am impressed with his commitment in training but I noticed that he is not fit yet. It is understandable as he has not played a match since late last year.
“We will review his form in training and practice matches, and see how things go. We want him to regain his fitness first before we assess whether he will fit the team again.”
Astafei’s performance has been topsyturvy in his 10 appearances for Selangor this season. The midfielder has scored three goals.
Fernandes, who holds a Timor Leste passport, has appeared in nine matches and scored four goals.
Both players were signed on a six-month contract each.
“Astafei and Fernandes have contributed a lot to the team. It will be tough to drop either for Andik at this stage.
“But Andik is a special player and furthermore, he has an existing contract with us until November. I do not want to speculate on anything yet.
“I told Astafei and Fernandes to continue working hard. As for Andik, I reminded him to work on his fitness,” Maniam added.
Selangor, who are fourth in the Super League, will travel to Kuala Terengganu on Wednesdy to play T-Team. Ajitpal Singh