Grilled International continued their trainee recruitment with the S$800000 signing of 17 year-old defensive midfielder Sazali bin Hj Mursidi, from four-time B-League champions Hattrick Royalty. The current III.5 competitors had obtained Sazali from fellow Division Three Brunei and Muara side FC Barunai on a free transfer early in the recently-concluded season, and despite a red card on his debut against HMY FC, Uking bin Hj Azeim's mentorship would see Sazali develop into a legitimate force in midfield, for his age.

Sazwan bin Hj Muhd Salleh emphasized that Sazali still had much to work on, not least his stamina, but also that he saw plenty to like in the youngster's mentality. "Some play football for fun first and foremost, but Sazali's about winning. That may not have made him the most popular amongst his fellow teenagers, but it is what I want to see from a professional player."

Sazwan's regard would be reflected in Sazali being allowed the Number Seven shirt recently vacated by Curacao star Remond Bergervoet, a gesture that reportedly has not been taken universally well by his fellows. The International head coach refused to change his mind or intervene, however. "That, like age, is mostly just a number. Whether or not Sazali holds on to it, we will see."

Be the first to comment