Malaysian captain Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak speaks during a press conference at Stadium Bukit Jalil. AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star (10/12/2018)
PETALING JAYA: For Negri Sembilan, losing their captain Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak to a long-term injury, is a bitter pill to swallow.
The 35-year-old veteran has been sidelined for at least four months due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Negri coach K. Devan admitted it would be tough for the Deer without the experienced Zaquan as he prepares his side to face Penang at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi today.
“Zaquan’s absence is a big blow to us and I wish him a speedy recovery,’’ he said.
Devan also has his work cut out as the team management have decided not to sign any players during the second transfer window, which starts on July 5.
And they have asked Devan to utilise the youngsters in the Negri Sembilan II team who play in the MFL Cup.
“A management meeting was held and it was unanimously agreed that we won’t be signing any players during the second transfer window. This is to give the young players in the MFL Cup (U-23) squad a chance to prove their abilities,” said a statement from the club.
“A re-evaluation of the team’s position will also be done regularly, in addition to future improvements being considered, according to the club’s financial capabilities.”
Meanwhile, centreback Nasrullah Haniff Johan said it would be a huge challenge for all the players to cope without Zaquan.
“We just have to make do and see how we can cope,’’ he said.
