S.League giants Tampines Rovers have added firepower to their frontline ahead of the 2017 season by signing former U17 Croatia skipper Ivan Dzoni from Slovakia's FK Dukla Banska Bystrica.
The Stags let go of their marquee signing Jermaine Pennant after his one-year stint as they wanted to reduce wage budget for the upcoming season. Irish striker Billy Mehmet and Canadian forward Jordan Webb also left the club after they finished without a silverware in the 2016 season.
However, the S.League giants have brought in the 22-year-old Croatian to join the likes of winger Ryutaro Megumi from Japan and South Korean playmaker Son Yong Chan. Dzoni also had attended a 10-day trial with Premier League giants Manchester City in 2011, according to The New Paper.
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Tampines also brought back Singapore's prolific striker Khairul Amri after edging out Hougang United, who were also in the race. The 31-year-old joined the team on a two-year-contract from Garena Young Lions. Notably, the upcoming stint will be Amri's third with the five-time winners after his spells during 2008 to 2009 and in 2013, which was also the last time Tampines won the league title.
Head coach Akbar Nawaz is now a happy man and believes his new signings are welcome addition to the club. The 41-year-old tactician was all praise for the Lions' striker Amri as well.
"Amri is the final piece of the jigsaw. He brings experience to the team and, with the style of football we want to play, he would suit us well. He will bring the team forward." Nawaz said, as quoted by the news daily.
"We are happy to have signed these three foreigners. Based on the positions they play in, they complement the players we have very well."
Tampines, who are racing against time to get their squad in shape ahead of their AFC Champions League Qualifier clash in, also secured the services of Madhu Mohana. They will also play a couple of pre-tournament friendlies before they face Philippines' Global FC in ACL play-offs.
