SAFA want best replacement for Milunovic
Sabah Tambadau will be capitalising on the player transfer window to replace Serbian striker Luka Milunovic, who is headed out to his former team.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadau will be capitalising on the player transfer window to replace Serbian striker Luka Milunovic, who is headed out to his former team.
The matter was confirmed by Sabah Football Association (SAFA) acting president Datuk Peter Anthony, yesterday.
“We will find at least one new player to fill for Luka who is returning back to his former team, Melaka United.
“I hope we can find better imports soon to beef up the squad for the second round of the season,” Peter said.
Milunovic joined Sabah on loan from Melaka United and is one of Sabah's new imports for the season. His release letter from SAFA came into effect on Tuesday.
A few candidates have shown interest to join the team but Peter said they would be tested first to ensure only the best are offered to don State colours.
“It might be too late to get one before the match this Saturday (May 4), but we will try to get things back up to snuff (with four import players) for the next match,” said Peter, who is also Minister of Infrastructure.
When asked if there would be more players joining the team, Peter said it depends on requirements and recommendations from coaches and management.
“If strengthening the squad means that we would have to drop players and replace them then that is what it will take. This is normal in football.
“We want only the best for the team especially to help achieve our target getting promoted to the Super League. We are already half way there. I hope the team will continue with their good form throughout the rest of the season,” he said.
While attempts are being made to find a new import player, Peter said focus would be on the opening fixture of the second round, which is against Selangor United at the Likas Stadium on Saturday.
“We may not be able to replace him (Milunovic) before Saturday but I don't think it will affect the team so much. We played without him in our last game with UKM FC but we still won 3-1.
“So we hope to continue winning…I'm confident the team can do it,” he said.
The other import players include Korean defender Park Tae Su and Brazilian striker Luiz Carlos Junior. Also playing for Sabah Tambadau is Serbian striker Rodoljub Paunovic.
Sabah Tambadau will start the second round fixtures from third spot in the 11-team standings after collecting 18 points from a record of five wins, three draws and two defeats.
UiTM FC are one rung above them on 20 points, four from leaders Johor Darul Taa'zim II.
One spot behind Sabah in fourth place are Terengganu FC II who are on 16 points, while Selangor United trail by two points in fifth spot.
Only the top two teams will gain promotion to the Super League.