For all the plaudits he had heaped on outgoing head coach Elias van Dal upon learning of his impending departure, Sikong Darong was only ever going to be his own man, and this was underlined by him pushing for - and getting - his first hire a day into his position: Karim Khalil, form coach.

"I had been going over the club's situation in detail with Elias for the past couple of days, and came to the conclusion that more could be done for the players' condition." Sikong explained. "This isn't a new concern, but had always gotten overlooked due to our tight budget. Well, I figured that we could afford it now."

Khalil, 53, comes with a lengthy C.V., having handled assorted coaching and fitness trainer roles at various secondary schools and amateur teams around the island, but this will be his first assignment at a professional side. Sikong wasn't concerned.

"Karim came highly recommended by people I knew, and I believe his experience speaks for itself. Keeping players focused is hardly an exact science, and from what I observed, Karim has what it takes."

Sikong followed up with the free transfer acquisition of 24 year-old Israeli midfielder Chai Mohilever from sixth division side Hapoel Bibi beer sheva, with a view towards shoring up the depth of the position.

"We have not invested too much there, and there was room to spare." Sikong added. "Chai has the right attitude and tools to fill the gap here. "

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