Johor FC sack five players, coach Azuan and Smith

BY RIZAL ABDULLAH

JOHOR BARU: Former skipper Musa Handrek is one of five local players given the boot by club side Johor FC, who failed to get a place in next year’s inaugural Super League. 

The other locals dropped are Tuan Kamree Tuan Yahya of Kelantan, reserve goalkeeper Shamsul Sabtu, midfielder Shamsul Sulaiman and ex-national striker Azmi Mohamad. 

However, Johor FC are leaving the fate of Australian imports, striker Jon Angelucci and defender Ivan Zelic, at the hands of their new coach, who will take over from Azuan Zain. 

Azuan was also sacked together with Johor FC’s coaching and technical director Ronald Smith of Australia after they finished the season empty-handed for a second year running. 

Johor FC secretary Tahir Hamdan said the five players whose services would not be required next year had been officially informed.  

“We have sent them the letters so they can start looking for new teams,” said Tahir. 

The Hornets, who were beaten by Public Bank in the second round in the Super-League playoffs, will play in the new 18-team Premier League, which replaces the Premier II league. 

Meanwhile, Johor FC’s former Argentine-born Australian coach Raul Carizo is likely to make a return to the team. It is learnt that Johor FC and Carizo are now in negotiations. 

“However, there is nothing concrete yet. If we fail to strike a deal with a foreign coach, we will settle for a local,” Tahir said.