PJ CITY FC will field only local players in the Super League next season.
Phoenix coach P. Maniam said it was time for local players to step up and prove their mettle, especially in crucial positions such as centre-forward and centre-back, usually dominated by foreign players.
The former Selangor coach will retain about 60 per cent of last season's squad for the new season.
PJ City have so far signed former national striker Darren Lok from Terengganu.
Maniam, who was promoted from assistant coach to replace K. Devan, is expected to promote players from their President's Cup squad for the new season.
"We can play good football even without the services of foreign players
"I want to give our locals a chance to prove their worth.
"They will have to play as a team and improve their work rate to achieve results.
"Our strikers also need to work harder and show that they are ready to play against the big boys.
"We are now in the hunt for two strikers, a defender and a defensive midfielder.
"We want a number nine player (main striker) who can hold the ball and score in crucial situations.
"We already have Darren on board.
"He hopes to get more games as he wants to regain his position in the national team."
Among those likely to be retained are M. Kogileswaran Raj, P. Yugan, Jeremy Lim, Mahali Jasuli, D. Christie Jayaseelan and K. Gurusamy.
"We have not decided on the pre-season dates yet, but we want to start early as we are going to have a full local team for the new season," Maniam added.
PJ City finished seventh last season. - Bernama