Sali´s move to Pelita under fire

Kelantan’s new head coach Peter Butler believes Malaysia’s top striker Safee Sali should be playing for bigger clubs in Indonesia.

Perplexed by the decision made by Sali to join Pelita Jaya, the 45-year-old Englishman, who speaks fluent Bahasa Malaysia and Indonesia, claims that Sali should have chosen either the likes of Persib Bandung or Persija Jakarta to play for in the Indonesian Super League.

“Pelita Jaya? I didn’t know about that. I didn’t know what was Safee thinking about,” said the former BEC Tero Sasana coach.

He made the remark when a journalist asked about his take on the current situation of Sali, who is in limbo after the Indonesian Super League was not endorsed by the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI).

He refused to comment on the issue but claimed that the 27-year-old will make the right call if the problem escalates.

“I’ve no comments on this situation. Safee would surely know what to do,” said Butler, who once coached Persiba Balikpapan in the Indonesian Super League.

Sali has quelled rumours about his departure from Pelita Jaya as he is happy with his club. However, the Pelita Jaya captain has urged PSSI and FIFA to solve the crisis that would prevent him from featuring for the Malaysian national team.

Butler was present during the Unity Cup match press conference in Kota Bharu. He will be leading his side against Indonesia Premier League side Persebaya Surabaya later on Friday and will head to Surabaya for the return leg on December 28.

The friendly will be the first of its kind between Indonesian and Malaysian clubs as both countries are looking to develop their leagues and also gauge their teams’ strengths.

Kelantan will be debuting their new signings, strikers Denny Antwi, Mohammad Ghaddar and Azlan Ismail; midfielders Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Norfarhan Mohammad; and defender Azizi Mat Rose.