736 try their luck with Rhinos on first day of trial
Published on: Friday, October 09, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: A record 736 players turned up on first day of the open trial to select new players for the Sabah Rhino squad at the Likas Sports Complex, Thursday.It was the first time such a big numbers showed up in a trial and coach Azraai Khor Abdullah was caught by surprise with the overwhelming response as players throughout the State with one as young as 14-year-old and the oldest in the fourties came to register their names, hoping to catch the eyes of the selection panel headed by Khor."The turnout was beyond my expectation. I only expected about 100 players the most and the numbers certainly gave a positive sign that Sabahans' interest in the sport is very high.
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"Thirteen sessions lasting 30 minutes each were held today and there will more to be staged tomorrow. So far, there are a few names that I have highlighted and we may contact them to join the state team's training session later on."He said it is still early in the preparation of the new team for the new season."It is only October and I requested to come early so that we can do something for the team and with ongoing local league matches as well as the Rakyat League, I will most likely travel to the respective venues and try to uncover some hidden talents as well."He also stated that the two-day trial is strictly for local players and no local imports are allowed.
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"I will try my best to find local talents to fill up each position in the team and the final decision will only be decided later on which ever position that I need to buck up."If there is a need, then I will call some players from the Peninsula to fill in the gap." He urged the players to try their very best to show their ability on the pitch and there will be similar trials to be staged next Thursday and Friday.
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"There may be some who missed it this week and furthermore, we can afford to hold more trials as the season will only be starting next year. "By end of November, we should be able to see the rough line-up of the team."He added that his approach to keep the current local players until the end of their contract in November was right.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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