Dollah to make minimal changes for next year’s challenge

Pahang coach Dollah Salleh in the training session with his players before their FA Cup final match against Selangor at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium yesterday. IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star. July 6, 2018.

PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Dollah Salleh (pic) is not going to tinker much with his team for the new M-League season.

The Elephants finished fourth in the 12-team Super League and won the FA Cup to cap a successful season and are expected to mount a stronger challenge next year.

Dollah, who is satisfied with his squad’s performance last season, said he would retain most of his local players and change only three of his imports.

It’s learnt that the East Coast side are looking at getting back-ups for rightback Matthew Davies, centreback Safuwan Baharudin and midfielder Nor Azam Azih.

“I’ve spoken with our president Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah on our plans for next season and discussed on the new signings too,” said Dollah.

“We will retain most of the local players – maybe promote one or two players from the President’s Cup squad. I leave it to the team management to get new players if it’s needed.”

Dollah also confirmed that imports Issey Farran Nakajima and Austin Amutu’s contracts would not be extended, while Brazilian hitman Patrick Cruz is expected to leave after receiving a more lucrative offer.

Only Singaporean Safuwan is retained out of the five imports from last season.

Gambian Mohamodou Sumareh, who received his Malaysian citizenship this year, is eligible to fill the local quota.

“Cruz has been offered a better deal. We could not counter the offer as our funds are limited. I thank him for his service to Pahang and I wish him good luck,” said the former international.