Published on: Thursday, February 18, 2010 |
Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah FA wasted no time in finding a replacement for goalkeeper, Harold John, who is set to leave the team after deciding to join the Police Force. The man they found to take the job is former national player, Azizon Abdul Kadir.
The six foot tall Perak born goalie, who previously played for club side Kuala Muda Naza, arrived here yesterday to join the team on a one week trial before confirming as Sabah's new custodian once Safa obtains approval from FAM.
"Azizon has agreed to play for Sabah and we are glad to have him here.
He will be here with us for one week where he will train with the team before the FA gives its final word on his signing.
"Once everything is clear with FAM on Harold's departure then we can proceed with the agreement with Azizon," said Safa Secretary General, Alijus Sipil. He said this when met after his discussion with Azizon at the Safa office in Likas here, yesterday.
Alijus said that the way in which things unfolded pertaining to Harold's departure, with Azizon being available to join Sabah, was rather timely and quite fortunate for the team.
"We are glad to be able to find a replacement for Harold so quickly.
Azizon was available just at the right time when Harold had decided to leave the team. If he (Harold) had informed us any later about his decision things might not have worked out as well. "But we are thankful that we managed to find Azizon to take his place and we wish Harold the best of luck in his career with the Police Force," he said.
Harold confirmed verbally with Safa on his decision to join the Force and would tender his resignation later this week once he has the documentation in order needed to facilitate the process.
"He came and spoke to us about his situation, where his parents preferred him to leave the team to join the Force. He said that he made his decision after considering all his options and we accepted.
"We respect his decision or his family's decision...whoever's decision it was I'm sure it was made with all considerations in mind and we accept it and would like to wish him all the best.
"We hope he will have an illustrious career with the Force and hope to see him again perhaps on the field playing for the Police team. I'm sure he would be drafted for the team," said Alijus.
Azizon, meanwhile, said he is glad to be here in Sabah and that his objective, if offered a contract, would be to help the team gain promotion into the Super League. The 30-year-old from Batu Gajah was previously a player for Kuala Muda Naza but was released when the club recently dissolved after its main sponsor pulled out at the last minute from this year's Premier League to favour a sponsorship deal in Formula 1 instead.
Azizon, who is married with two children, started his professional career for Melaka in 2001.
He played for four years and moved on to play for Negeri Sembilan from 2005 to 2007, before playing Kuala Muda Naza in 2008 and 2009.
He was offered twice to join Sabah in 2004 and 2005 but declined because he was under contract with Negeri Sembilan at the time.
