PETALING JAYA: It did not take long for fresh signings Alvin Fortes and Nooa Laine to make Selangor their home.
The new arrivals got right into training with the Red Giants not long after setting foot in Malaysia and are looking good to add groove in the team’s assault in this year’s Super League season starting in May.
Holland-born Fortes said the warm welcome he had received since arriving in Selangor has aided in getting adjusted to the new outfit.
“The team have warmly welcomed the new players to the club. This has definitely helped me to get adjusted faster with them,” said the 29-year-old.
“On my part, I will also do my best to get a better understanding with the players and coaching staff to help the club achieve their goals this season.”
Fortes made his way to head coach Tan Cheng Hoe’s side after spending two seasons in the Thai League with Nongbua and Ratchaburi.
Meanwhile for Laine, the reception has also been a warm one since his arrival on a one-year loan from Finnish club SJK Seinajoki.
Easing his way into the club hasn’t been a challenge for 22-year-old Laine as he has the experience playing with some of them during his time with the national Under-23 squad.
“The first week of training with the team went very well. The players have made me feel welcome and it hasn’t taken me long to blend in with them.
“I’m looking forward to the next few weeks of training,” said Laine.
Selangor have also promoted four players from the Under-23 squad for the upcoming season, joining forces with the five new players to further strengthen the team.
Cheng Hoe is pleased with the progress of his team so far, even after the departure of former captain Brendan Gan.
“The players are greatly driven, which generates a positive mood in the squad. Our coaches are making sure that their fitness are always at their peak to face the long preseason.
“Everyone is cooperating well with each other and I can’t wait to start the season,” said Cheng Hoe.
Alongside Fortes and Laine, Selangor will also have the expertise of Uzbekistani payer Umarbek Eshmurodov and Chilean Ronnie Fernandez.
Selangor will start their preseason fixtures early next month before the national Under-23 players are called up for their training camp in preparation for the Under-23 Asian Cup from April 15-May 3 in Doha, Qatar.
