PETALING JAYA: Penang are looking to Uzbekistan to spruce up their midfield and attack ahead of the new season.
The Panthers have confirmed the signings of striker Murodbek Bobojonov and midfielder Bakhtiyor Kosimov, both arriving from Iraqi side Amanat Baghdad.
This marks the first time since 2021 that Penang have signed a player from Central Asia.
Their last such signing was Tajikistan winger Sheriddin Boboev, who made 27 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing two assists.
Penang are hopeful that the grit and technical quality of Bobojonov and Kosimov can lift the team to greater heights after an eighth-place finish last season.
Kosimov, 30, can’t wait to kick off his career in Malaysia.
“Different language, different culture, one game. I’m happy to begin this chapter with Penang,” said Kosimov.
The Uzbek midfielder arrives with extensive experience in Uzbekistan’s top flight, having turned out for several prominent clubs before continuing his career in Iraq.
Comfortable as a central, defensive or attacking midfielder, Kosimov is noted for his composure in dictating tempo, as well as his vision in creating chances.
His arrival is expected to give the Panthers a new pulse in midfield.
In the Uzbekistan Super League, where he played for sides like Kokand 1912, Surkhon and Andijon, Kosimov made 90 appearances and scored three goals.
As for Bobojonov, 32, he hopes to bring his goalscoring prowess to Penang.
Bobojonov also featured in the Uzbekistan Super League with clubs like Neftchi, Surkhon, Lokomotiv Tashkent and Metallurg Bekabad, making 199 appearances and scoring 40 goals.
He helped Lokomotiv Tashkent win the Uzbekistan League title and Uzbekistan Cup in 2017.
For Amanat last season, Bobojonov made 24 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Penang’s other foreign players are Filipino winger Jose Elmer Porteria, Argentinian centreback Stefano Brundo and Nigerian centreback Faith Obilor.
