Safee Sali to play in Indonesian league for one more season

Malaysian striker Mohd Safee Sali is set to stay put with Indonesian club side Pelita Jaya FC (PJFC) for another season.

The FA of Selangor (FAS) secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said that the Indonesian club are keen to renew his contract for the new season which kicks off in October.

“I have had talks with the Indonesian club president and they are happy with Safee’s contribution to the team. There is no doubt they are keen to keep him for another season. Now he is already there for the pre-season training,” said Hamidin, dismissing rumours of the player returning to Selangor or moving to any other club.

Safee, who played for Selangor for four seasons since 2006, was officially transferred to the Indonesian Super League team in February this year. Safee is the first Malaysian player to play in the Indonesian Super League. Pelita paid RM100,000 (US$30,000) in transfer fee for Safee who gets a monthly salary of RM30,360 (US$10,000).

Safee made his mark instantly in his first League debut against Sriwijaya FC. The match ended with a 1-0 win with Safee scoring the lone goal to give Pelita their first win in five matches.

The following game he netted a brace in their 2-1 win over Bontang FC. In the next match, Safee executed a spectacular scissor kick in a 2-0 win over Persijap Jepara to take his tally to four goals.

The 2010–11 Indonesia Super League season ended with Pelita Jaya in 12th place and avoiding relegation. In total, Safee scored seven goals in 13 appearances in his first season.

Hamidin said Safee is keen to continue plying his trade with Pelita Jaya and felt that everyone should respect his decision.

“Safee has made his mark with the Indonesian club and we wish him the best in his future undertakings,” said Hamidin.

A couple of other Selangor players have also been linked to Indonesian Super League clubs but Hamidin prefers not to comment.

“There has been speculations going around but we have yet to receive any confirmation,” said Hamidin on skipper Safiq Rahim and midfielder Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal’s possible move to the neighbouring country next season.