IPOH, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The Premier League champions of the Sepak Takraw League (STL) from the previous edition, Perak Bison, have set a target to finish in the top three in this season's competition, which is expected to begin on October 21.
Perak Bison head coach Mohd Tajuddin Ahmad said this is considered realistic due to the team's new management and coaching structure, alongside the departure of two key players - tekong Meor Mohamad Zulfikar Mat Amin and left feeder Aidil Aiman Azwawi - to the Terengganu Turtles.
"The pressure is definitely there, especially since Perak Bison are the defending champions, and suddenly we lost experienced players like Aidil, who moved to Terengganu Turtles this season.
"Despite these challenges, I am confident that a top-three target is something realistic, armed with the commitment of the players and the management who will carry the challenge for Perak Bison," he told reporters after the Perak Bison 2026 Player Introduction and Official Jersey Launch ceremony here today.
Earlier, the jersey launch ceremony was officiated by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and was attended by about 200 Perak Bison supporters.
Commenting on the recruitment of national left feeder Amirul Zazwan Amir into the team, Mohd Tajuddin said the presence of the experienced player, who previously played for Kuala Lumpur (KL) Thunder, is greatly needed to fill the void left by Aidil Aiman.
"In addition, Amirul's vast experience in the national squad and international competitions can inject fresh strength and stability into Perak Bison's playing style," he said.
Meanwhile, he noted that several teams, particularly the Negeri Sembilan Antlers, are seen as major challengers capable of giving his charges a run for their money, given the team's experience and their ability to retain existing players.
For this edition, Perak Bison is reinforced by eight players, including two imports from Thailand - Khathadet Srichan and Chanchai Sarika - in the tekong position, while Najmi Shafiq Anuar fills the local tekong slot.
Aside from Amirul Zazwan and Syafiq Mustakim Md Saad in the left feeder position, the team's right feeder slots are filled by Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin, Madzrul Aziq Mat Tahir, and Muhammad Nazrein Daniel Mohd Kamal Mustafa.
-- BERNAMA