Triple Departure
Grilled Birds' squad would shrink by three more today, as
Douglas Carapaica,
Salah Kamel and
Vikram Mudaliar said their farewells.
Beginning with former Panama youth international
Douglas Carapaica, the just-turned thirty year-old would follow fellow defensive star Sølve Lunde out of the door, a poignant end to a pairing that had once been expected to endure for many seasons to come. From a financial perspective, however, it was probably the right time to cash in, before he lost too much of his market value. Spanish Division Five club grocinegre put up an S$8.5 million offer that was the best that Grilled would receive, and Douglas would agree terms after short negotiations.
A desire to push for a spot with his national team factored into the transfer, or so Douglas had it. "Boris Lamas had put out some feelers, but we understood that it was unlikely to happen while I stayed with Grilled - no offence intended. Other than the focus on attacking, the rebuilding would severely limit my chances to impress."
33 year-old Palestine central midfielder
Salah Kamel's destination would be Serbian fifth division side F.C. Vukovi sa bikare, who fought a running battle with Kazakhstan Premier Liga club Feedback 2 for his signature, with the transfer fee stopping just shy of S$6 million. A return to top flight play was undeniably attractive to Kamel, but American head coach Glenn Sprague's proposal to build Vukovi around him, proved yet more irresistable.
"It's not something that comes round everyday." Kamel acknowledged. Although undeniably a contributor to Grilled's double-winning season and their two following S-League titles, he has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the team, starting as few as eight matches in Season 77, for example. His marked improvement in front of goal in recent seasons should be an encouragement to Vukovi, that said, as they look to make the most of this investment.
Last but not least, veteran striker
Vikram Mudaliar would elect not to end his playing days at the Birds, as some had expected, instead seeking a new challenge with Czech IV.30 leaders SK Solnice. The 35 year-old national star had literally won it all here, with arguably only a Young Player of the Season award eluding his grasp. It is testament to his longevity that SK Solnice had to contend with sixth divisioners Zduna team despite Mudaliar's advancing years, before winning out with a final bid of some S$4.16 million.
Head coach
Tian Yonghang accepted that the Number Nine would be a huge loss to the club. "164 goals from 258 appearances is something few Grilled strikers have managed, what more in a period where striking options are as plentiful as they have ever been. Just to get this clear, we're not letting Vikram go because he can no longer do the job, but for our mutual longer-term benefit."
