‘First team not affected by alleged player exodus’

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KUCHING: Despite reports in local newspapers that a number of Sarawak Super League players have opted to leave for greener pastures in the Peninsula, the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) secretary-general Abdullah Julahi said its first team players were not affected.

Sarawak’s striker Muamer Salibasic (left) vies with KL SPA Putrajaya player during the Opening Super League friendly match in Stadium Negeri recently. — Bernama photo

Abdullah Julahi however, said it was normal for any team in the world to lose players and hire new players to replace those who decide to leave.

He said there was no need for Sarawak fans to panic as the association has its own strategies to build a formidable team to face the new season.

“All the first eleven players are still with us except for S. Chanturu. Most important is our strategy for the next season as we want to do better in the new season,” he told Bernama yesterday.

“We are working on this and we understand our fans’ concern and sentiment.”

Abdullah said in football there are always supply and demand for players, adding that the FAS would not stop any player who wished to leave to look for greener pastures.

He also said talks that Junior Elstar will be leaving for Selangor was not true as there was still no confirmation of his transfer.

According Abdullah all their three imports, Muamer Salisbasic, Gabor Gypes and Ryan Griffith are also still with the team.

He said the matter would be discussed at today’s FAS exco meeting chaired by its president Datuk Sudarsono Osman. —Bernama