Amri in action during Sabah FC pre-season match against Sarawak United in Kuala Lumpur on February 21.
KOTA KINABALU: At the age of 40, Mohd Amri Yahyah is one of the oldest players to play in the Malaysia League this season.
While many will question the veteran’s age and what he can offer on the field, for Sabah FC head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, the presence of the Selangor-born former national player is seen as a ‘role model’ for other players in the club.
“Many people have questioned why we brought in a veteran player into the club but to me, it’s his professionalism, maturity, experience and confidence on the field that matters the most.
“He (Amri) is an experienced player, able to control the game in the midfield and give confidence to his teammates,” said Kurniawan in reference to Amri’s performance during Sabah FC pre-season matches against Sarawak United and KL United in Kuala Lumpur on February 21 and 23.
“He is somehow of a ‘role-model’ to other players, especially the younger players. How he takes care of himself, his body, rest, food and training, he always gives his 100 percent. Although only with us for a couple of days, other players have seen his dedication and how to be a professional player,” said Kurniawan.
Amri is no stranger in the Malaysian football scene. He was one of the most feared strikers/midfielders for Selangor between 2001 to 2013.
He had also played for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Melaka United and Sarawak United FC.
Amri had made 63 appearances and scored 13 goals for national team Harimau Malaya.
Meanwhile, Kurniawan said he aimed to put Sabah FC in a better position this year compared to last year.
Last year, Sabah (under Sabah Tambadau squad at that time) only managed to finish that season in 10th place among 12 teams.
“Of course we want to finish (this season) in a better position than last year but it is not an easy task.
“Everyone has to work hard and have the same vision and Alhamdulillah, so far we are heading into the right direction in terms of preparation and mentality,” he said.
Kurniawan also hopes that the four imported players who have been ‘proposed’ by the club can join the team as soon as possible and play in the first match of the Super League against Melaka United at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on March 6.
Sabah FC currently only has one imported player, South Korea defender Park Tae Su, who was retained from last season’s squad.
The four import players awaited by Sabah FC are Indonesian national winger Saddil Ramdani; Gabon national midfielder Levy Madinda; Macedonian midfielder Ristro Mitrevski and Liberian striker Sam Garyahzon Johnson.