The Crocs training at Stadium Negeri on Friday.
Coach shuts door on import players from other states
KUCHING: Interim head coach David Usop has revealed that Sarawak would not be signing any local import during the current mid-season Super League transfer window.
He told reporters recently that he is more interested in exposing local Sarawakian talents in the upcoming Super League matches and Malaysia Cup competition.
The Super League second registration for players opens tomorrow (June 20).
Given the chance to shine, David believed, local lads can be as good as players imported from other states.
“I really do not have any plans to recommend the signing of local imports this time around. I am looking forward to groom more local Sarawakians to don the state colours and hopefully they would reach the standards and requirements of Malaysian top flight football,” he said.
In the remaining Super League season, David is keen to promote a few players from the state youth squad playing in the President’s Cup.
He confirmed that a few players from other teams in the Super League and Premier League have contacted Sarawak officials to play here. But their requests were turned down.
Nevertheless, David pointed out that the presence of experienced international import players remains vital to the Crocs.
So state officials are looking to sign one such player to replace Italian import centre back Davide Grassi who has left by mutual consent.
“A few international players have arrived in the city for trials with the Crocs. We hope to find a formidable centre back before the Super League resumes,” he said.
Among those currently on trial at the Stadium Negeri are Liberian international Teah David, Andrei Alexandru Cordos from Romania and Vladimir Otasevic from Serbia.
The transfer window period closes on 11.59pm on July 15.