KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor finally began their pre-season training yesterday – but they are far from settled in terms of funding and quality players.
Signs are that Selangor are going to struggle next season, considering that other teams started their pre-season preparations last month and have settled their squads with marquee signings.
Even if Selangor get funding now, it will be tough for them to get the best players, as most have signed deals with other teams.
Only 17 players, with seven from last season's President's Cup, turned up for drills conducted by caretaker coach, K. Gunalan, in Shah Alam yesterday.
Former Sarawak defender G. Mahathevan is on a trial with Selangor.
FA of Selangor (FAS) disclosed to Timesport last week that 14 players were retained from last season, but things have failed to materialise, as captain Shahrom Abdul Kalam and Hafiz Kamal will join Perak, while the status of winger R. Gopinathan is still unknown.
Those from last season that reported for drills were goalkeepers Norazlan Razali, Khairul Azhan Khalid and Zarith Irfan Hashimuddin; defenders Bunyamin Umar, Razman Roslan, and Raimi Mohd Nor; midfielders Fitri Shazwan Raduwan, S. Veenod, Adam Nor Azlin and Saiful Riduwan Selamat.
Indonesian import Andik Vermansyah will report in a few days, but it is understood that he suffered a knee injury during the AFF Cup.
"We are in a difficult position. I cannot look for local and foreign players, as the management have not made any decision," said Gunalan at the SUK training ground in Shah Alam yesterday.
"The Super League starts in a month and we only started training today. It is very late and we are taking a huge risk," he added.
Selangor have issues with budget, following the state government's decision not to fund the team.
"It will not be easy for us next season. We are surely going to struggle.
"We need nine more players to strengthen the squad, preferably those with experience.
"If we have no choice, we will promote more players from the President's Cup squad," said Gunalan, who was instructed to handle the team two weeks ago.
Gunalan, who took Selangor to the Malaysia Cup final in Oct, said the status of Gopinathan is still unknown.
"I am not sure the reason behind his absence today. Maybe he is injured or has other plans.
"Shahrom and Hafiz are most likely to join Perak," Gunalan added.
Gopinathan is said to be negotiating with Malacca.
Depending on the budget sum, Selangor may sign Indonesian striker Boaz Solossa as a second foreign signing, as currently, there are no forwards in the team.