PETALING JAYA: Penang’s frontline will be Samba-powered with the signing of Rodrigo Dias (pic).
The 29-year-old Brazilian striker joined the Panthers to replace Nigerian striker Abdul Abdeen Temitope, who left the club after the 2023 season.
Dias is highly rated by Penang’s new coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli, who watched his performances for Khaitan in the Kuwaiti Premier League last season.
Akmal, who was a mercurial striker himself during his playing days, said the player from Governador Valladares has what it takes to lead the line for his side.
“I watched a lot of his highlights and also full games when he played for Khaitan and also during his time in the Vietnamese League, where he played for sides like Da Nang and Nam Dinh,” said Akmal.
“He has the touches of a striker and his finishing is pretty lethal too. He fits my criteria for a striker. I can say this, he suits the style of play that I want. I hope he brings a lot of positive impact.”
Besides Dias, the other Brazilian in Penang is captain and centreback Rafael Vitor.
Akmal revealed that the club will make one more foreign signing as they are looking for a box-to-box midfielder.
Penang will only have three imports for the new season as they want to be prudent with their finances and give more local players playing time in the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
“I have shortlisted about 10 players for the midfield spot. A final decision will be made by the middle of March. I need a foreign midfielder to assist the local players and elevate our game.
“Yes, we have decided just to take three foreigners. Compared to other sides in the Super League, yes it is going to be a challenge because, on paper, we have fewer foreigners compared to the other sides.
“I have to work hard to form a good team because of the budget constraints. It’s tough but nothing is impossible. I have faith in the local players that I have in the squad.
“We have signed winger Muhaimin (Izuddin), who is one of the best young players in the country. ‘’Then we also brought midfielder Khairu (Azrin Khazali), goalkeeper Sikh (Izhan Sikh Nazrel Azman), wingers Nabil (Latpi) and Al-Hafiz (Harun), who I believe will stabilise the squad and guide some of the youngsters I have promoted from the Penang II squad.”
