Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC’s Brazilian striker Joao Pedro Boeira Duarte (pic) has left the club to join Ho Chi Minh City FC on loan on the eve of the Super League clash with Sri Pahang FC at Likas Stadium on Sunday.
General manager Mohd Joh Wid made the announcement in an official statement released late on Saturday.
AdvertisementHe said the decision was reached after Joao Pedro received an offer from the Vietnamese club and was adamant to leave despite persuasion from the management urging him to stay with Sabah FC.
“We decided to release him after discussions with the head coach and the coaching members.
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The 24-year-old was recruited in August last year to replace fellow countryman Ramon Machado and had signed a nine month contract scheduled to end this April.
AdvertisementHe was featured nine times for the team and was the top scorer with a total of seven goals.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC II are determined to turn their fortune around when they take on Penang FC II in the MFL Cup match at Likas Stadium tonight (Monday).
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The team have so far only registered one win in the match against Kuala Lumpur FC II back in January.
Head coach Billyton Vun said the team are preparing well for the match and his players are fully focused to give their best after almost a month break since the 0-2 loss away to Kuching City FC II on January 20.
“Our preparations are going well and the players have shown their commitment in training and friendly matches.
“Although it worries me a little, because of the long break we were unable to play high-intensity friendly matches.
“This is the difference between us and teams from the Peninsula who have the advantage to play with stronger opponents during the break,” he said.
Despite that, he is optimistic that the strong bond in the team will help to overcome the challenges ahead.
“All the players remain very positive and focused on the coming challenges. They are still determined to fight and to finish the season the best that they can.”
Meanwhile, the team are at the bottom of the league with six points from one win, three draws and 15 losses.
Their next match is against Kelantan Darul Naim at home on March 18.