Perak to sign set-piece specialist Tommy for new season

PETALING JAYA: The transfer window is yet to open but Perak are already making moves by bolstering their wingback options for the 2024-2025 season.

The Seladang have announced the signing of left wingback Tommy Mawat Bada (pic) from Negri Sembilan, to provide competition for Afif Asyraf Zabawi in that position.

The Sarawakian is not only known for his overlapping runs and defensive challenges but he is also a potent set-piece taker, whether it’s to provide a chance or take a direct shot at goal.

His style of play certainly suits coach Yusri Che Lah’s tactics as he has been demanding industry and pace from the flanks.

Tommy had offers from several clubs including Terengganu when his deal ended with Negri, but he decided to join Perak, which are a much more stable set-up under the ownership of XOX Berhad.

The former Malaysia Under-23 player, who played in the 2018 Asian Games, has played for several clubs since making his professional debut in 2015.

He played for Sarawak, Petaling Jaya Rangers, PKNS, Kuching City, Sarawak United, Sabah and his last club was Negri Sembilan.

The 28-year-old was delighted with the move and is looking forward to etching a name with the eight-time Malaysia Cup winners.

“The aim is to get as many minutes as possible with the club because by doing so, I will get noticed and who knows, one day, I will get to don the Harimau Malaya jersey,” he said.

“The club have consistently improved since they were taken over by XOX, so the aim is to help them further and finish among the top five sides in the league next season.

In this year’s season, Perak finished ninth in the league and went all the way to the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.

“We want to be competitive, that is for sure. We want to get into every game thinking we can compete with anyone and give them a tough time.”

Yusri had confirmed that he was keeping all five foreign players in the team - Serbian playmaker Luka Milunovic, Filipino centreback Jesper Nyholm, Nigerian midfielder Sunday Afolabi, Argentinian midfielder Luciano Guaycochea and South Korean striker Seo Seu-ung.

As for new signings, it’s learnt that the club are eyeing Terengganu winger Nur Azfar Fikri Azhar and could bring in Johor Darul Ta’zim duo – centreback Adam Nor Azlin and goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli.