MELAKA: Melaka United (MU) have an understanding with Singaporean club Tampines Rovers and it has enabled them to get midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman on season long loan from the island nation club to fill their Asean foreign player quota for the coming 2018 Malaysia Super League season.
MU team manager, Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the understanding and relationship they have forged with Tampines Rovers has allowed them to get Shahdan who will be a welcome addition in the Hang Tuah squad’s midfield.
According to Mohd Yusoff, Shahdan’s inclusion their squad will end speculation prior to this about MU said to be on the verge of signing an Indonesian, Burmese or Filipino player, along with Singaporeans Muhammad Hafiz Abu Sujad and Muhammad Faris Ramli to fill their quota for foreign players.
"What is certain is Shahdan is very much needed bolster our squad’s midfield, furthermore when the other players shortlisted mostly play on the wing, and what we needed was someone to play in the middle of the park, and now we have such a player thanks to Shahdan’s inclusion.
"Even though the other players linked to us have performed well and effectively with their respective national teams, Shahdan’s position as well as how well he plays made him a priority for us, especially for coach Eduardo Almeida,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff said Shahdan’s experience, especially at international level where he has 52 cap’s from playing for the Singapore national team, will be invaluable to MU who have targeted a top five finish and at least one piece of silverware for the coming season.
He said this after the players contract signing ceremony at the FA of Melaka (MUSA) headquarters at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Paya Rumput earlier today. Also present was MUSA secretary general Noor Azman Rahman.