PETALING JAYA: Newcomers Immigration football club can breathe a little easier ahead of their Super League debut, thanks to a timely boost from the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
Promoted as runners-up from the A1 Semi-Pro League, Immigration are bracing for a steep learning curve when they face off against seasoned Super League outfits when the competition kicks off on Aug 8.
Their head coach Yusri Che Lah was all smiles after the MFL approved an additional three in the local player quota, which is a much-needed lifeline for the newly promoted side.
“This gives me more flexibility to identify the right players for the right roles – something we desperately need to stay competitive, especially against clubs packed with youth talents,” said Yusri.
“I appreciate the MFL’s decision. As a new club, we’re at a disadvantage because we don’t have players from the President’s Cup or any established development squads. This extra quota gives us breathing room to build more strategically.”
While the decision by the MFL, made following a special board meeting and appeals from newly promoted clubs, has provided some relief, Yusri is still navigating significant challenges.
Immigration were the last team to begin pre-season, only getting underway two weeks ago, while some clubs have been in preparation since June.
Still, the 49-year-old is embracing the uphill task with quiet confidence.
“I know there’s been talk about the timing and pressure, but I’m not looking back. We’re moving forward with belief and intent,” said Yusri.
“I took this role because of the trust and faith the management placed in me. We’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
Despite their late start, Immigration have managed to attract several experienced names to bolster their squad.
Among the new signings are Pahang goalkeeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin, defenders Rizal Ghazali and Aiman Yusni, midfielders Mior Dani Armin, Abdul Halim Saari, Fadzrul Danel Nizam, and Nik Shareef Haseefy, along with attackers Nur Azfar Fikri Azhar and Fayyadh Zulkifli.
With the additional quota, clubs are now allowed to register up to 33 players for the new campaign - a move that Yusri says levels the playing field slightly for clubs like his.
Though still a work in progress, Immigration’s squad are beginning to take shape. With foreign players only just starting to join the training camp in Alor Setar, Yusri is pushing hard to build cohesion before their Super League opener against Kuala Lumpur at the Batu Kawan Stadium on Aug 12.
“We’ve only had two weeks of training, and my imports have only just started integrating.
“We may be short on time, but that’s no excuse. I have to be smart about building our starting eleven.
“Our focus now is on endurance and sharpening team chemistry.
“We’ve got a few more friendlies before our first match, and every session counts.”
