Hartlepool stint for Sarawak trio

New Straits Times, Oct 22, 2008 | by Nancy Nais

THREE Sarawak players have been selected to undergo a two-month training stint with the English Division One football club Hartlepool.

State Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, Datuk Seri Willam Mawan Ikom said the trio - Mohd Shahrol Shaperi, 24, Joseph Kalang Tie, 21, and Zamri Morshidi, 25 - will leave on Oct 28.

Proud of the players, Mawan said he hoped they will use this opportunity to improve, and on their return, impart their knowledge to other local players.

"More importantly, they can help to revive Sarawak's past glory in football," Mawan said at a press conference yesterday.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) technical director Robert Alberts is tipped to become Sarawak's new head coach.

Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president, Murni Suhaili said the former Kedah coach has indicated that he is favourable to the terms and conditions offered by the FAS.

"The contract has not been signed yet but we are positive he will sign with us," Murni said.

Alberts, who arrived in Kuching on Sunday, was expected to be offered a one-year contract with the possibility of an extension.

Murni confirmed that Alberts' contract with the FAM expires at the end of this month.