Jelius won't rush search for striker
Published on: Friday, December 15, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Rhinos head coach Jelius Ating is in no rush to find a foreign striker following the team's 1-0 win over Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra in their second and final friendly match at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday.The visitors, who were thrashed 4-1 by the home side earlier in the first encounter, gave a good account of themselves especially in the second half, and it was Ivory Coast import Arthur Kouassi, here for the trials, who headed in the winning goal a minute before full time from a Heo Jaenyeong's cross.The foreign imports who played on Wednesday night were Ballo Famoussa, Arthur Kouassi from Ivory Coast , Spanish Sergi Arimany and Gambian Alagi Sosseh.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, he was not too pleased with their contribution so far."The imports so far have not caught our attention. There may be some more coming in as some agents have contacted us. For me there is no need to be in a rush. We still have time to find the right one, and hopefully we can get a better one."He also said they are still searching for the right local imports and currently only Ilyas Sulaiman who played for Penang on the left flank last season is trying out with them, and he also disclosed that former Rhinos defenders Ronny Harun and Mafry Balang are still in early talks with the management in their bid to rejoin the team next season.He was however, very happy with the junior players who were given the chance to play on the night.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Apart from the reserves that started the match, we also gave chances to junior players such as Stanley (Sulong), Melky (Balang), Justin (Samaan) as well as Devid (Ansarui) and Evan (Wensley)."They all showed good potential and what they need is more competitive games to further improve themselves.
ADVERTISEMENT
I am really happy with the improvement of these newcomers who only joined us for a very short time."Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
