MyTeam sign defender Kaironnisam

NEW BEGINNING: The UPB-MyTeam in confident mood.

PETALING JAYA: National team captain Mohd Kaironnisam Shahabuddin has signed up with Premier League outfit UPB-MyTeam for the new season that kicks off on Dec 22. 

The 27-year-old defender was previously with Super League side Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) who were banned by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) from the M-League in September. 

Other seasoned players in the team are former Selangor striker Harris Safwan Kamal and goalkeeper Faizal Abdul Rashid; and Negri Sembilan's striker Mohd Nizaruddin Yusop and defender Yosri Dermaraju. 

Their Croatian coach Bojan Hodak have signed up compatriots Mijo Dadic, a defender and Marin Mikac, a former national Under-21 striker as the foreign players. 

Ten of the players were identified through the MyTeam television reality show while three were retained from UPB, who played in the Premier League last season. 

Club president and team manager Khairy Jamaluddin said yesterday that expectations would be kept low for their debut season. 

“The team is a blend of experience and enthusiasm,” he said when announcing the team. 

“Based on the dedication and determination displayed by the players, I am optimistic that we can emerge as a competitive team over the next few years.” 

“What is important is that we lay strong foundations for future sustainability. We have seen many clubs come and go. We hope that we are here to stay.” 

In their seven friendly matches so far, MyTeam had beaten teams like Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Negri Sembilan. Their only loss was to the national Under-21 team.