Cops just waiting for the foreigners

Sharing a light moment: Deputy Inspector-General of Police and PDRM FA president Datuk Mazlan Mansor (centre) speaking to Red One Network Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Farid Yunos after it was announced that Red One would sponsoring Police in the Super League.

PETALING JAYA: The Police are almost ready to parade their line-up for the new Super League.

With 15 officers and eight new local professional players confirmed for the new season, coach Mohd Ishak Kunju Mohamed now only needs to get three foreign players by next week.

After signing S. Veenod from Petaling Jaya City, Ishak confirmed that they have brought in players like R. Surendran from PKNS, K. Satish on loan from PJ City, Asri Mardzuki on loan from Kedah and Dirga Surdi from M3 club Puchong Fuerza.

As for the foreigners, he said they had a few who will be assessed in three pre-season matches next week when they play the Armed Forces, Johor Darul Ta’zim II and Sarawak.

“After these matches, we will look to finalise the team. A few foreign players will be joining us next week and I will assess them then, ” he said.

“Once the squad has been finalised, we will work on chemistry and tactics. We have brought in some local players who will provide guidance to some of the officers. A player like Veenod has so far shown great leadership, and that is good for the team.”

Police, who last played in the top flight in 2016, are making their return after gaining promotion from the Premier League.

They, however, face an uphill battle as a budget cut has left them with a team with no big names. The management has set the team a target to remain in the Super League.

“The key performance indicator (KPI) set by the team is reasonable. I know about the players that I have.

“Individually, we are nowhere near the top teams in the Super League, but as a team, we are strong enough. We are going to bank on unity to get the results.

For the new season, the team has lost several top players like Uche Agba, Shahurain Abu Samah, Stuart Wark, Lee Chang-hoon, R. Gopinathan, Azmizi Azmi and Shahril Sa’ari.

Last year, they finished third in the Premier League with 30 points and qualified for the third round of the FA Cup. They were booted out of the Malaysia Cup in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Police have inked a sponsorship deal with telecommunication company Red One for the new Super League season.