Crocs captain upbeat about chances in new season

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Billy Mehmet

KUCHING: Sarawak captain Joseph Kalang Tie believes that the combination of strikers Ryan Griffiths and Billy Mehmet will be the driving force behind the team’s campaign in the new Super League season which kicks off on Jan 31.

He said the two import players have shown encouraging signs of gelling well with each other and helped Sarawak win three pre-season friendly matches in Thailand recently.

“Ryan and Billy did not have any problem in understanding and reading each other’s game and have displayed a good partnership up front in the friendlies in Thailand.

This is a very pleasant development and morale-boosting for the Sarawak team and we really need the services of good import strikers for our campaign in 2015.

” Billy scored 15 goals while playing for Kedah in the 2014 Premier League while Ryan scored five goals for Sarawak in the 2014 Super League.

Joseph also praised the performance of another import player Ronald Hikspoors who, he believed, has adapted to the style of play expected in the Super League.

He said the addition of the talented young striker from The Netherlands will further strengthen the attacking department in the new season.

“For me, the contribution from every player is vitally needed to ensure success for Sarawak in the Super League which is getting more competitive,” added Joseph.

With the three import players and local players in the line-up, the captain said he would revert to his position as the winger.

The Crocs are having a short break for Christmas celebration and will resume their training on Dec 29, after which they will play friendly matches with KL SPA on Jan 6 and Sabah on Jan 10 at Stadium Negeri.

The curtain-raiser for the Malaysia League will be the Charity Shield match between Johor Darul Takzim and Pahang.