ON TRIAL: Manuel Friedrich (centre), former defender of German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, is seen with Joseph Kalang Tie (right) and Junior Eldstal during a trial session at the Stadium Negeri yesterday. — Bernama photo
KUCHING: Premier League champions Sarawak are expected to rope in a former German international to strengthen their Super League campaign next season.
The Crocs are expected to put former German national and former Bayern Leverkusen defender, Manuel Friedrich, 34, on trial.
The team are also expected to test eight other local players from various clubs.
Among players attending trials since yesterday are Mohd Rashid Aya, 22, (Johor), Mohd Fadzley Abdul Rahim, 26, (Pos Malaysia), Mohd Lot Abu Hassan, 29, Reeshafiq Alwi, 31, (PKNS Selangor) and three home grown players who play in the local league, Paul Sambang (SEG FC), Morris Jagan (Marr SC Akjaemura) and Florian Rison Laes (Sarawak President Cup team).
Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts said another player who was supposed to undergo trials was Perak’s S Chanturu but was unable to attend since he would be preparing to celebrate Deepavali on Saturday.
“This week, all eight players will undergo medical tests and train with the team.
“On Sunday, the Sarawak management will have a discussion, finalise everything and on Monday will hold a press conference to announce the names of players selected,” he told Bernama when meet at the team’s training session yesterday.
When asked whether Friedrich’s presence would pose a threat to current foreign players, Alberts said selection would be based on the needs of the team, as well as whether the new import plays better than the existing ones.
Sarawak currently has two foreign imports, striker Muamer Salibasic and defender Guy Bwele. — Bernama