Kallang on Crocs radar despite Turtles rebuff

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FAS hopes to strike a deal with Terengganu FA on securing midfielder’s release

KUCHING: The Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) has not given up hope yet of signing home-grown talent Joseph Kallang to play for the Crocs in the new season.

FAS’ recent efforts to bring the influential midfielder back from Terengganu to add more bite to Sarawak coach Mohd Zaki Shiekh Ahmad’s squad had been to no avail as the East Coast State FA refused to let him go. Kallang’s contract with the Turtles still has another year to run.

However, it is learnt FAS will be making a second attempt to negotiate Kallang’s return to Sarawak with the Terengganu FA.

A source said the negotiation would focus solely on the remaining oneyear contract and wages.

Although the bargaining is not likely to hold out much of a chance for Kallang’s release, it is understood FAS is not throwing in the towel yet but has instead come up with the offer of a “better deal” to secure the midfielder’s return.

Last week, the Terrengganu FA reportedly made a direct call to a local daily newspaper, confirming it would not release Kallang.

Its president, Che Mat Che Jusoh, said the Sarawakian was still very much needed by the Turtles in the Super League and there were no issues to discuss vis-a-vis Kallang’s release.

A glimmer of hope for the Crocs is that Kallang himself has expressed an interest to return.

Revealing this to the Borneo Post yesterday, he said: “I want to play for the Crocs if they want my service. I still want to don Sarawak colours.”