Singapore international Hafiz Abu Sujad has all but sealed a Thai league contract with second-tier side Big Bang Chula United (BBCU).
The Tampines Rovers midfielder, who was also nominated for S.League Player of the Year last season, was allowed to attend trials with two Thailand football clubs - BBCU and Thai Premier League's (TPL) Sisaket FC - despite an year left in his contract with the Stags.
While he is awaiting a response from Sisaket FC, Hafiz seems to have impressed BBCU management. The Thai club's manager Veerayooth Bhodharamic revealed that the 26-year-old had impressed quite a few during his week-long trial with them. Notably, the Lions star will make use of the Asean player slot that will be available for the taking at Thai second-tier clubs from the upcoming season.
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However, BBCU, who are eyeing a promotion to TPL, are waiting for newly-appointed coach Pairoj Bavornwattanadilok, who will assess the squad's requirement.
"He [Hafiz] trained well with us and we're interested in signing him. He is on the list of players we want to sign," Veerayooth said, as quoted by the FourFourTwo.
"We have to wait for the new coach to make a move on some decisions. The new coach wants someone who can get along well with our team's policy and ambition. Our only target is to be promoted to the Thai League 1 next season."
Notably, Tampines are gearing up for the 2017 season without their last season's stars Jermaine Pennant, Billy Mehmet and Jordan Webb, all of whom left the club due to wage issues. The Stags though have secured the likes of former U17 Croatia captain Ivan Dzoni, winger Ryutaro Megumi from Japan and South Korean playmaker Son Yong Chan along with local stars Khairul Amri and Madhu Mohana.
