GEORGE TOWN: The return of experienced midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba (pic) to Penang will boost the team’s challenge in this season’s Malaysia League, according to head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli.
He said Syamer’s experience with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and the national squad has made him a prized catch for the team.
“When I asked Syamer to return to Penang and he gave a positive response, I felt it was the best opportunity for the team (to shine),” he said.
Akmal said the presence of Penang-born Syamer would give the Panthers greater depth in midfield.
“Syamer is a defensive midfielder and he will give me more options in that position,” said Akmal.
According to him, Syamer has been adapting himself well during the Panthers’ training in the past week.
In a bid to attract more fans to City Stadium, Akmal said he would be trying out new strategies to make Penang a force to be reckoned with.
Syamer represented Penang in 2016 and 2017 before moving to JDT in 2018. He made his national team debut in the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying tournament. — Bernama
