Priebe Pride
With a Consolation Cup semifinals looming, Bunnies head coach
Vishnu Tallapaka would raid the treasury for American veteran
Gabriel Priebe, laying out nearly S$7.5 million for the 35 year-old. This had to be accounted a hefty sum given Priebe's age, but with 35 international caps to his name, few can deny that Priebe remains one of the premier attacking fullbacks available, given his unique blend of experience and pure inventiveness.
"He's done it all from wingback." Tallapaka enthused. "Not only that, Gabriel is a proven free-kick specialist, and we will be needing that for the cup and beyond."
Zambian H.A.L VII.4049 frontrunners Caras Extrañas were first in for Priebe as former Zambian Emerald Challenger Cup winners Veloziraptor sought to make a quick turnover on the ex-international, with Ugandan VII.1890 leaders Achievement Hunter II then also seeking to keep Priebe in Africa. Given that Priebe had originally joined Veloziraptor due to the potential for national-level silverware, however, the Buns' offer made much more sense for him.
Tallapaka threw in a promotion of sorts too, as he proferred the Number Two shirt formerly owned by Tham Leng Teck and Aitykul Zaripbekov, and that will now be worn by another national legend. "Three to two is a natural progression." he explained. "And it really fits Priebe well, it's almost like he was born to it!"
Limhamn Limestones FC's Indonesian defender Agam Lunggana, who had a very similar profile, was reportedly also under consideration, but Tallapaka would eventually pass on the current Kuwaiti Premier League star.