Chris turns Rhino for ‘fresh challenge’ in Asia

KOTA KINABALU (feb 5): Chris Marlon Ondong Mba said his decision to join Sabah FC was a milestone in his professional career, describing the move as an opportunity to embrace a new football challenge in Asia.

He revealed that he had received several lucrative offers to return to Europe but opted to continue his career in Asia, citing his desire for new challenges and personal growth.

“I needed a fresh challenge,” he was quoted as saying in sabah-fc.com.

“I had good opportunities to return to Europe but after a challenging period in China, I decided to stay in Asia,” said the forward whose last club was China League One outfit Yanbian Longding.

“I am a player who thrives on challenges,” said Chris whose arrival is expected to bolster Sabah FC’s attacking options for the remainder of the Super League and the MFL Challenge Cup.

The 32-year-old is expected help to fill the gap left by centre forward Ajdin Mujagic, who was Sabah’s top scorer, but has signed for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) recently.

Asked about his style-of-play, the six-foot-one tall Frenchman described himself as a versatile attacker capable of playing as a striker or operate on both flanks.

“I enjoy one-on-one situations, creating space, using my pace and making repeated runs.

“As a striker, I like to press the opposition and operate high up the pitch,” he said.

He stressed that he is focused on giving his best in training and to repay the trust shown by the club.

“I will give 100 per cent…to my teammates, the club, the state of Sabah and the supporters. It is my top priority,” he pledged.

Chris is one of the five new foreign players signed by Sabah FC during the mid-season transfer window which also saw the likes of Mujagic, Daniel Ting and Stuart Wilkin leaving the Rhinos.

The other four are ex-Thailand international left back Ernesto Amantegui Phumipha, Haitian striker Belfort Kervensfils, Croation midfielder Duje Ljubic and Spanish centre back Jose Angel Alonso.

Chris as well as Kervensfils, Ljubic and Alonso are expected to make their debut when Sabah take on PDRM in the first leg of the MFL Challenge Cup at the Likas Stadium on February 8.

Ernesto’s first game for the Rhinos came in the 3-0 defeat to Melaka FC in second leg of the Malaysia Cup round-of-16 tie.

The Rhinos, who drew 2-2 in the first leg, were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate thus featuring in the second-tier Challenge Cup.