Small budget won’t stop Negri from seeking quality players

Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak - Filepic/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan have finally kick-started their preparations for 2022 after coach K. Devan revealed that they had received the budget for the new season.

Although the 2020 Premier League champions have lagged behind some teams who have already made signings to bolster their squads, Devan said they could still attract quality players despite their small budget.

He revealed that key players like striker and captain Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, defenders Nasrullah Haniff Johan, Zulkhairi Zulkeply, Zamri Pin Ramli, midfielders Saiful Ridzuwan Selamat, A. Selvan and M. Javabilaarivin had extended their stay.

Four foreigners - strikers Francis Kone, Alain Akono, defender Arthur Cunha and midfielder Bae Beom-geun - have been released by the club.

He said the club would sign five foreign players because they need quality to perform well in the Super League.

“We just got our budget, so we’ve started scouting for foreign and local players. We’ll streamline the foreigners in two to three weeks time while as for the locals, we’re speaking to several players,” he said.

“The squad need to be strengthened because the Super League will be tough. We last played in the top division in 2018. Unlike Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor, PJ City and JDT, who have started preparing early, we’re just getting started.

“But that does not mean we’re not preparing well. We’ll only get players that will enhance the team’s quality.”

When asked about expectations, Devan said they are looking to stay in the Super League, but that does not mean they will be content with just finishing 10th.

“Mid-table is what we want. We’re not preparing as we’ve planned after winning the Premier League, so we’ve to rejig our plans a little. It will be a big challenge but one I believe we will thrive on.”

Devan revealed that he would have a new assistant coach in the form of K. Nanthakumar, who is a former national and Perak midfielder.

As for new signings, it is learnt that Negri could be snapping up winger Sean Selvaraj and midfielder Izzuddin Roslan.