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Felda United target top four finish in MSL with new import players

Felda United coach B. Satiananthan wants his three new imports to change the direction of the team in the second half of the Malaysia Super League (MSL) season, starting on July 1.

Satia has reinforced the Fighters' with the addition of Australian centre-back Dino Djulbic from A-League side Perth Glory.

In addition to the giant defender, Felda have signed their former Brazilian forward Thiago Augusto from Manama Club, as well as Nigerian striker Ifedayo Omosuyi (Al Hidd SCC, Bahrain).

With their new players contributing, Felda beat second-tier side Terengganu in a friendly match on Wednesday night.

"Our problem before this was the lack of goals, and we are hoping these players can contribute in that department. I think overall we have been doing decently, but with more goals we can make a strong push for a top-four finish," Satia told ESPN FC.

Last year's MSL runners up have retained the services of their Liberian playmaker Zah Rahan Krangar, who was instrumental in their gallant run.

Ex-Malaysia boss Satia, who is also the president of the Football Coaches Association of Malaysia, has steadied the Felda ship since coming on board in February. After the Fighters flirted with relegation after a six-game winless streak, Satia has guided them to sixth in the 12-team standings after taking over from Azmi Mohamed.

His MSL efforts were hindered by the team's participation in the AFC Cup where they crashed out in the group stages.

But now with domestic duties, including the upcoming Malaysia Cup, to focus on, Satia is optimistic his new personnel can make a difference.

"Thiago has played for us before, so he knows Felda's style of football. What we need is for the other two imports to acclimatise themselves quickly with the rest of the team," Satia said.

"We need to secure a top-four league finish this season. I have also given the team a quarterfinal target in the Malaysia Cup. This is achievable, looking at the resources we have, but everyone must fight equally hard to achieve that."

Felda find themselves in Group B of the Malaysia Cup, together with Perak, PKNS FC and Kuala Lumpur.

None of the Satia's local players made the national cut in Malaysia's 2-1 defeat to Lebanon in an AFC Asian Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, something that hopes changes soon.

He added: "Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Wan Zack Haikal weren't playing that well earlier in the season, but they have improved. I hope they will continue to shine to earn a national call-up in the coming games."

Besides the three foreign players, Felda have signed Curran Singh Ferns (Negeri Sembilan), Safwan Hashim (Malay Football Association) and K. Prabakaran (Perlis).

Felda resume their MSL campaign at home to Pahang on July 1.