PETALING JAYA: Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan’s pleas for new signings to bolster the squad have finally been heard.
The Deer have snapped up two imports – Myanmar international winger Hein Htet Aung (pic) and Spanish-Moroccan striker Youssef Ezzejjari – on the second transfer window deadline day on Aug 1.
Negri had issued a statement last month saying that they won’t be making any more new signings, but Devan insisted on reinforcements after losing Singaporean midfielder Safuwan Baharuddin and Togolese midfielder Levy Madinda.
Htet Aung joined Negri on loan from Selangor while Ezzejjari came on board from Thai side Khon Kaen United.
The 21-year-old Htet Aung, who has played in the Malaysian League since 2021, is known for his trickery and superb deliveries from the flank. He is expected to provide ammunition for Brazilian striker Casagrande, Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi and Ezzejjari.
Ezzejjari, 30, has been playing in Southeast Asia since 2021, for Indonesian sides like Persik Kediri and Bhayangkara. Last year, he played for Khon Kaen in the Thai League.
Both Htet Aung and Ezzejjari are expected to make their debut for Negri in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 first-leg encounter against Kelantan United at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru today.
Htet Aung can’t wait to get started.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase my skills and I hope we can reach new heights and achieve our goals,” said Htet Aung, who started his career with Hanthawaddy United in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Kelantan United coach Ailton Silva hopes his team can get a good result against Negri despite the challenge of facing two of their new imports.
“I demand more consistency from my players and this game will a big test as Negri will be playing with two new imports,’’ he said.
