PETALING JAYA: After last season’s debacle, Penang have resorted to making wholesome changes to their squad in order to mount a stronger challenge in the Super League this season.
And it has got the fans talking, as they have made a whopping 19 signings for the new season.
The side, coached by Manzoor Azwira (pic), signed six new foreign players and the rest locals. Only Brazilian centreback Rafael Victor has been retained in the team who finished last in the Super League last season.
Super League teams are allowed nine foreigners, with only five starting and one on the bench during a game.
This is in line with the Asian Football Confederation’s ruling, which allows the teams in the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup next season to start with five foreigners and one on the bench.
Penang have signed Lebanese international striker Soony Saad, Filipino winger Curt Dizon, Myanmar international centreback Zaw Min Tun, South Korean centreback Ahn Sae-hee, Brazilian striker Giovane Gomes and Brazilian playmaker Adriano Narcizo.
It’s learnt that the club are close to sealing the deal for French defensive midfielder Ousmane Fane and Singaporean international winger Faris Ramli.
As for the locals, the Panthers have signed wingbacks Azmeer Aris, Faris Shah Rosli, Danish Haziq Saipul Hisham and A. Namathevan, Japanese-Malaysian centreback Ryu Yamaguchi, goalkeeper Azfar Arif, midfielders Nik Akif Syahiran and Asnan Ahmad, wingers Marcus Mah, Rahmat Makasuf, Amer Azahar, Nur Izzat Che Awang and Hadin Azman.
One of the new signings, Azmeer, said he joined Penang as he needed a new environment and challenge to bounce back.
“Maybe last year it felt like everyone knew I wasn’t at my best and couldn’t give good results to Kedah,” he said.
“With Penang, I hope I can regain my previous pace and will try to compete for a place in the starting line-up.”
In 2021, he was part of the Penang squad that finished third in the Super League under Thomas Trucha, who now coaches Kelantan United.
“My hope is for all the players, even if they are not from this state, I ask them to play 100%.
“The time has come for the Penang team to return to the previous era, which is always feared by most teams.
“I think nothing is impossible if we all support the coach and play with team spirit for the sake of Penang.”
