Dollah is frustrated Pahang can't get big names

FRUSTRATED at his lack of influence in signing big names to boost Pahang's chances in the Malaysia Cup which kicks off next month, coach Dollah Salleh is left with no choice but to settle for three recruits -- all from club side, Kuantan Port Shahzan Muda.

Just like other teams preparing for the Malaysian Cup, Pahang approached several elite players from teams not involved in the tournament to feature in their side, however, most snubbed his offer.

A dejected Dollah said a senior player who had earlier agreed to play for Pahang, informed him on Sunday that he had changed his mind.

"I had identified three quality players whom I believed would strengthen the squad to challenge the other teams in Group A, but sadly all rejected the offers," said Dollah in Kuantan on Monday.


"Since I am running out of time as the final list of players has to be submitted by Thursday (tomorrow), I decided to sign Abdul Rahman Kadir from Shahzan and two other senior players also from Shahzan."

Dollah, a Malaysia Cup winner with Pahang in 1992, said many players rejected his offers as they believed Pahang would not progress far in the Malaysia Cup and that the team lack the fighting spirit and the players to become champions.

"Some players also cited Pahang's financial woes as another reason but when I gave them my assurance that their welfare would be well taken care of. they were still not keen to sign a deal," he added.

"After Pahang's dismal performance in the Super League and their subsequent relegation, many experienced players felt that the team will not be able to perform and that it was not worth to join them."

On the two Shahzan Muda players who would feature for Pahang, Dollah said he has proposed their names to Pahang Football Association president, Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah and is waiting for a decision.

The battle for the two spots in the squad will involve seasoned campaigners Azizul Kamaluddin, Jalaluddin Jaafar and Shahril Faizal Sharifuddin.