PETALING JAYA: Former Sabah striker Joao Pedro (pic) is back in the Super League after a stint in Vietnam.
But this time, the Brazilian has a more challenging role to fulfil – to help strengthen newcomers Immigration as they take on the big guns in the top flight.
And Pedro and Immigration’s first test comes in the form of Kuala Lumpur – one of the clubs reported to have been tracking him during the transfer window – at the Batu Kawan Stadium today.
Immigration were the last to start pre-season among all the clubs but have made the signings they wanted while the City Boys have a string of high-profile buys and are seen as dark horses in the title chase.
Pedro is respectful of KL’s quality but he remains confident in his new side’s focus.
“KL have made good signings and they’re a strong team but even so, we are committed to our targets and also to delivering our best on the field,’’ said the 25-year-old who hails from Pelotas in southern Brazil.
Pedro is also looking forward to linking up with fellow Brazilian forward Rafael Holstein, with whom he expects to strike a strong understanding on the pitch.
“For sure it’s the best thing. As Brazilians, we can have a very good connection. Speaking the same language helps a lot in the 90 minutes.”
The Immigration squad could soon also have a distinctly Brazilian core, with midfielder Pedro Santos and defender Vinicius Milani both rumoured to be on their way in the current window.
After a productive stint with Sabah in 2024, where he scored eight goals and provided one assist in just 15 domestic matches, the 1.86m (6’1’’) tall Pedro moved to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in January.
He managed three goals in 10 appearances there following an earlier spell with Viettel.
Pedro’s career has taken him across continents from a journeyman start in Brazil where he played for 11 clubs since his debut with Farroupilha at 17, to Vietnam and now back to a league where he found form and familiarity.
As Immigration prepare for their debut in the top division, they will be hoping their new striker can once again find the spark that made him one of Sabah’s brightest lights last season.
