AMRI Yahya will once again lead Selangor’s attack in the 2012 M-League season, which starts next month, along with R. Surendren in the absence of Congo import Lelo Mbele.
Selangor took a gamble by signing Mbele, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur injured, but they are confident the striker will miss only a few matches into the season.
Amri, who scored 15 goals last season, is confident he can lead Selangor’s attack for at least the beginning of the season.
Skipper Amri, 30, is determined to help his team win titles after last season’s failures.
“It is important that we get a good start. We were unlucky not to win titles last season and I hope it will be better this season,” said the former international yesterday.
“Mbele’s absence will be felt but we have enough strikers in the squad as replacements. If I am selected to play upfront, I will be ready to shoulder the responsibility.
“With or without Mbele, we must do our best and win trophies this season. We cannot play the blame game or make excuses if we fail. As captain, I want my teammates to give 100 percent throughout the season.”
Amri has been doing a great job in pre-season matches, having scored three goals in as many matches. Selangor defeated MP Muar (5-0, 2-1) and Police (3-1) and played Johor in Pasir Gudang yesterday.
“We have quite a number of new players in the squad and all of them are responding well in training and friendlies. We are getting better and everyone is happy to play under new coach Irfan Bakti (Abu Salim),” added Amri.
The Selangor FA was heavily criticised last season for failing to sign on a quality striker and now there is a question mark whether Mbele will be fit for the new season.
New signings Famirul Ashraf Sayuti and Wan Mohd Hoesne Wan Hussian are Selangor’s other strikers. The team’s other import is Lebanese defender Ramez Dayoub.
Meanwhile, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has cleared the Paroi Stadium — the home venue of Malaysia Cup champions Negri Sembilan, for the new season.
FAM conducted its final inspection on Wednesday and found that the stadium lighting, set at 1,000 lux, adhered to competition rules for night matches.