Friday 3 February 2012

Selangor not impressed with Croatian striker Bosko Balaban

First, they made a disastrous move by signing  an injured Lelo Mbele for six months before terminating his contract last week.

And two days ago, they jetted in former Croatian World Cup player Bosko Balaban and the striker struggled with fitness in Selangor's 0-0 draw with the national Olympic side at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.

The Selangor FA (FAS) is desperate to sign a striker but it does not have much time as the Feb 13 deadline to register foreign players is fast approaching.

It is dumbfounding that FAS has yet to find an able replacement for Safee Sali, who left for Indonesian club Pelita Jaya, a year ago.

Fans turn-out for Selangor league matches at home has also been disturbingly low of late with only  2,000 paying fans watching Selangor's  0-0 draw with Sarawak last month.

The team's erratic performance in the league and the failure to sign on a star attraction are among the  reasons their fans rather stay at home on Saturday nights.

Balaban, who played for Croatia in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, came highly recommended as a replacement for Mbele but the 34-year-old former Aston Villa failed to make an impact as a substitute on Tuesday.

It was Balaban's first competitive match in months since parting with Greek club Panionios FC last season.

Coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim said Balaban played well only in patches.

"Balaban is an excellent feeder but not a good goal poacher. It is my first impression of him," said Irfan Bakti yesterday.

"We, however, need to give him a chance as he only arrived three days ago. He is definitely struggling with fitness."

FAS has given Irfan two days to decide on Balaban and if he does not fit into the team, then the association will refer to its agents to recommend others for trials.

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