Terengganu to FAM: Please allow us to field Akakpo

By RIZAL ABDULLAH

JOHOR BARU: Terengganu have appealed to the FA of Malaysia to allow them to field Ghanaian Patron Akakpo although he is ineligible to play for the Turtles in this year's M-League competition. 

Akakpo donned Brunei colours in the M-League last year and as such cannot play in any M-League team for a year. He was axed by the oil-rich Sultanate mid-way through last season. 

Terengganu, however, are pleased with Akakpo's form and Terengganu FA president Datuk Che Mat Jusoh believes the Ghanaian can change Terengganu's football fortunes. 

“It is an oversight on our part,” said Che Mat on their decision to hire the ineligible player. “But I hope the FAM will consider our appeal for the player to play for us.” 

“Akakpo was dropped by Brunei because of injury. The player has now fully recovered and has impressed us with his form and skills. We believe that he will be able to give Terengganu football a big boost. 

“Technically, Akakpo should be allowed to play for another M-League team because he is coming back after recovering from injury. I hope the FAM will consider this.” 

Terengganu have one other foreigner in midfielder Seidu Issifu, who is also from Ghana.  

The Turtles, who won their first Malaysia Cup in 2001 but finished empty-handed last year, have lost a number of key players for the new season, including internationals Rosdi Talib, Hairuddin Omar and Subri Sulong. The trio have joined Pahang while Wan Rohaimi Ismail and Sapian Wahid have moved to Penang and Sarawak respectively.