Alberts in, Mohd Zaki out

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LAST MATCH: Zaki’s last match as state coach will be against the Police at Paroi Stadium in Negeri Sembilan tonight.

Dutchman makes shock Crocs comeback

KUCHING: Former Sarawak coach Robert Alberts will replace Mohd Zaki Sheikh Ahmad as the new head coach cum team manager of the state Premier League squad effective next Monday.

Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman who announced this in a press statement yesterday, said Alberts would lead the Crocs against Pulau Pinang USM FC in a Premier League match at USM Athletics Stadium on April 4.

However, Zaki’s last match as state coach will be against the Police at Paroi Stadium in Negeri Sembilan tonight.

This was to enable the smooth transfer of duties from Mohd Zaki to Alberts.

“Alberts has already agreed to sign a contract with us (FAS) until November next year,” said Sudarsono.

He said Mohd Zaki would now take charge of the FAS development programme aimed at producing young players of calibre.

“With his wide knowledge and years of experience, we believe that he can fully contribute to the development of football from the grass roots level in a more comprehensive way,” he added.

Mohd Zaki is a very experienced coach who has coached the Young Tigers and the Malaysia Olympic squad.

“The association would like to express its highest appreciation to Mohd Zaki for the services he has contributed while coaching the state team,” he said.

“We believe that he will continue to render his high commitment as the director of the state football development programme,” said Sudarsono.

Meanwhile, Mohd Zaki when contacted in Seremban yesterday said he was confident that the Crocs were capable of playing well tonight as a “special gift” to him for his last      match in charge of the state team.

“I am confident that the players can display their best in hunting for a victory  tonight,” he said.

Sarawak are now fifth in the league table with 10 points from three wins, one draw and two defeats.