Namibia international is Tambadau's last import
Published on: Wednesday, February 19, 2020
By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Petrus Shitembi has been officially unveiled as Sabah Tambadaus’ fifth import player for the new season by Sabah Football Association (Safa) president Datuk Peter Anthony on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Namibian international is an attacking midfielder and has made 60 appearances with four goals to his credit for his country since 2010.
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He started for Sabah in three out of the four matches in Indonesia during their pre-season tour last week and displayed superb fitness and ability to assist fellow teammates despite only joining them on tour at the eleventh hour.
The team have now completed their foreign imports quota with the earlier signing of striker Hector Omar Ramos Lebron from Puerto Rico, who is making a return to the team after his previous appearance for Sabah in the 2018 season and Thai-German midfielder Dennis Buschening while they also retained two of their foreign imports from last season, defender Park Taesu from South Korea and Serbian striker Rodoljub Paunovic.
“We have made the decision to recruit him to play in midfield for us. He is given one year contract and (it) will be reviewed and extended if the management team is pleased with his performance.
“With his signing, all the slots for Sabah Tambadaus have been filled up and if possible I would like to see all five imports play at the start of the Super League season on March 1,” said Peter.
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He also believed the results of the team during the Indonesia trip where they drew once and lost three other matches do not reflect a true picture of the team.
“It is very difficult to judge the team at this moment based on their performance in Indonesia because I believe head coach Kuniarwan will have his own programme to find the right combination for the team.
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“I will leave it to the head coach and the management because what is important for us is not the results in Indonesia but the result they can achieve at the start of the Super League on March 1.
“From what I have observed, there is certainly some improvement but I can also see that the coaches are still trying to find the right combination and I have full confidence the head coach will be able to assemble the best team to represent Sabah this season.”
He also played down the shoulder injury sustained by Maxsius Musa during the match against Persija in Jakarta.
“We have Plan B and his place will be taken by one of several players who are able to deliver and it will not cause the team any problem.”
He also called on football fans to give their full support to the team in the new season.
“On behalf of Safa and the State government I call on all football supporters to come to the stadium during the team’s home matches.
“We need all the support not only from around the Kota Kinabalu area but also from all over Sabah throughout the season.
“We will definitely give our best. Our focus this season is not just to play in the Super League but also try to win at least one trophy as a present to the Sabah people.”
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He also added that the full team line-up and their jersey for the new season will be unveiled on February 27 and it will be graced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Meanwhile, Peter also announced that Datuk Juil Nuatim and Dato Rahman Zakaria have been appointed as team manager for the State President Cup and Youth Cup squads respectively this season.