PETALING JAYA: A1 Semi-Pro League side Melaka have snapped up two foreign players – Congolese centreback Rodrigue Nanitelamio and Guinean striker Oumar Bangoura – to boost their challenge in the Malaysia Cup.
The two are set to see action in the round of 16 matches against Terengganu, with the first leg taking place at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday.
In the A1 Semi-Pro League, clubs are only allowed to have two foreign players, and both must be under 21. But for the Malaysia Cup, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have allowed them to register another two more imports for the prestigious competition.
Melaka owner Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad confirmed the signings of Nanitelamio and Bangoura.
“Initially we did not demand or even apply for additional import players but with the permission that has been given, this is a good opportunity for our team to prepare better,” he said.
“We know that most Super League teams spend a lot of money and they are the best teams in the league, so we have to strengthen our teams to give them a good fight.
“We already have two imports and the addition of another two gives us more confidence.’’
The 28-year-old Nanitelamio, a towering figure who stands 1.95m (6’3’’), has played for teams like Gudja United (Malta), Saigon (Vietnam), NS Drava (Slovakia) and Spartak Pleven (Bulgaria).
He will be an imposing presence at the back and should be an asset in the air during set-pieces.
Bangoura, only 20, is a playmaker but Melaka did not share any details about him.
Besides Nanitelamio and Bangoura, Melaka’s other two foreign players are Ghanaian striker Fusseini Issah and Nigerian midfielder Michael Onyekachi Ozor.
Issah is one of the club’s high scorers with 11 goals in the A1 Semi-Pro League.
Among the key local players in Melaka are striker Abdul Azim Rahim, midfielder Nasir Basharudin, winger Faizal Talib and centreback Jeremy Lim.
Melaka are currently led by experienced coach K. Devan, who has guided sides like Negri Sembilan and Selangor. They are leading the A1 Semi-Pro League with 46 points from 19 matches and look good for promotion to the Super League.
Meanwhile, team captain and centreback Ahmad Haziq Puad said it would be a challenge taking on Terengganu, who are powered by top-quality local talents like wingers Safawi Rasid and Akhyar Rashid.
“Terengganu are in a different league, but we have a good attacking line-up and we hope to bring our good form in the Semi-Pro League to the Malaysia Cup and spring some surprises,” said the 32-year-old.
