Fit for Fighters – Aubameyang’s teammate for Felda

Frederic Bulot (right) joins Felda United from J-League 2 club F.C. Gifu. Here, he is seen in action for Gabon. - AFP (Taken from FIFA website)

PETALING JAYA: Gabonese international Frederic Bulot has completed Felda United’s line-up for the 2020 Super League season.

The 29-year-old, who usually partners captain and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at international level, just needed a day to impress coach Nidzam Jamil.

The former Charlton Athletic player, who can play as a playmaker or midfielder, joins Felda from Japanese League Two club F.C. Gifu.

Nidzam believes Bulot’s pedigree on the international stage and experience playing in the French and English leagues will augur well for his team.

“He last played for Gabon in a friendly against Morocco in October and helped them to a 3-2 victory. Bulot can play as a number 10 or central midfielder, ” he said.

“I know he went for trials with a few clubs, but when I saw his CV, it was impressive. He has played for clubs like Charlton and even Ligue 1 clubs like Reims, Monaco and Caen.

“When I first saw him training, I was impressed with his technique. Given time, he will only enhance the team. Also, he is humble, so that is good when it comes to team chemistry.”

Felda seem to be among the most well-oiled teams in the league, having completed the squad seven weeks before the league starts on Feb 28.

The team have signed Japanese winger Ryutaro Megumi, Serbian defender Nikola Raspopovic, and Argentinian striker Nicolas Velez, while former Singaporean striker Khairul Amri has been retained for the new season.

As for local players, Nidzam has roped in defenders Azmizi Azmi, Ariff Farhan Isa, Ezanie Salleh and Osman Yusoff, midfielders Fadhil Idris and Shahrul Aizad and goalkeepers Muhaimin Mohammad and Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin.

Nidzam has learnt his lesson from last year when he had to make last-minute signings and fret over team chemistry before the season started.

“Everything is going smoothly so far. We got most of our signings two weeks ago, except for Bulot, who was signed two days ago.

“With the inclusion of players from various Felda settlements in the country, we saw the need for a team-building session, and we held one in Sungkai.

“There were no tactical training or drills, but just players getting to know each other. Most of these players come from different backgrounds, so I wanted each of them to know their teammates’ personality and character.

“Now, the mood in our training session has improved.”

The departures of Hadin Azman, Christie Jeyaseelan and S. Chanturu were blows to the team, but it was a blessing in disguise for Nidzam as he was able to sign younger foreign players.

“Last season, all of our foreigners were over 30. Now, we have Megumi, Bulot and Velez who are below 30. We also have young local players who have experienced the Super and Premier Leagues.

“We are much balanced now. I want my boys to show they are no pushovers in the league. When teams face us, they must know we are hard to beat.”