Key defender in limbo for kickoff

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Kiko of Arema Cronus FC undergoing the selection trial with the Sarawak Super League team.

Kiko of Arema Cronus FC undergoing the selection trial with the Sarawak Super League team.

KUCHING: Sarawak may have to embark on their new Super League campaign next month without key defender Hairol Mokthar.

This is because Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) has yet to receive any feedback from the Disciplinary Board of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on the suspension of the Sarawak player.

“We have submitted an appeal to FAM but the result will only be known after the Disciplinary Board meeting,” said head coach David Usop.

“In the meantime, we have no alternative but to wait and that has become a problem to us. Hairol is also not allowed to play in friendly matches,” said a disappointed David during a training session at Padang C in Petra Jaya.

As long as Sarawak are not informed on the outcome of the FAM Disciplinary Board decision, Hairol will have to sit out his six-month suspension, meaning he will miss the Super League matches against T-Team on Jan 21 and Kedah on Jan 27.

Meanwhile, Arema Cronus Football club star Kiko Insa was among the latest players to try their luck in securing the remaining vacant slot in the Sarawak team.

The 28 year old, who was born in Spain arrived, on Wednesday with 27-year-old Egyptian Mohamed Talaat for the selection trial for the positions of defender and striker.

Kiko, who plays for Bali United Pusam Football Club, is a potential candidate for the defender’s post as he is 6ft 1in tall and has played in the Spanish La Liga as well in Germany and Belgium.

He commenced his football career in Spain where he joined the Valencia Football Club in 2006.

Mohamed, who represented Al Khaburah SC in the Oman League, will need to prove his credentials in the friendly match between Sarawak and Sabah this Sunday at Stadium Negeri.

According to David, the above two mentioned players and those foreign players who will be arriving in a day or two will be tested in the friendly.

Egyptian Talaat controls the ball during a selection trial.

Egyptian Talaat controls the ball during a selection trial.