Latest news with #DarrenLok
The Star
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Veteran with a vision
PETALING JAYA: Darren Lok may find himself playing more than one role for Sabah this season – not just as a key forward, but also as a mentor to one of Malaysian football's most exciting young prospects, Fergus Tierney. At 34, Darren is one of the most experienced names in the Malaysian League and has been a mainstay in the Rhinos' attack since 2023. With the 22-year-old Tierney recently joining the squad after playing in Thailand, Darren is embracing the chance to guide the rising star as he prepares for his debut season in the top flight. 'I've known Fergus for a few years now, and it's great to have him with us this season,' said Darren. Darren Lok. 'He's a young player with loads of potential. He works hard off the ball, puts in the dirty work, and runs for the team. 'His playing style is quite similar to mine, and I hope I can help him take the next step. It's his first time in the Malaysian League.' 'He's done well in Thailand and I'm confident he'll be a real asset for us this season.' During pre-season, Darren has been deployed more frequently as a winger – a shift from his usual role leading the line. But the veteran attacker is not just adapting – he is enjoying the change. 'Last season, I played quite a bit on the wing too,' he said. 'It's a different role compared to playing as a No. 9. As a winger, you face the goal more often and get the ball in different areas, which is quite enjoyable.' Darren's versatility is especially important given Sabah's wealth of attacking options. Alongside him and Tierney, Sabah also boast Bosnian striker Ajden Mujagic, speedy wingers like S. Kumaahran, Farhan Roslan, Maxsius Musa, Jafri Firdaus Chew, and promising forward Azhad Harraz Harun. 'It's exciting to have so many players who can rotate across the front line. The competition for places is strong, but it pushes us to do better.' Sabah have been quietly building momentum through their pre-season schedule, testing themselves against the likes of Police (2-1), Kuala Lumpur (1-1), and Brunei (3-1). With the league set to kick off on Friday, Darren believes the squad are in good shape. 'The new imports have settled in well, and everyone's fully committed. These pre-season games gave us a glimpse of where we stand, and overall, things are looking positive.' Sabah will begin their campaign away against Kuala Lumpur at the Cheras Football Stadium on Aug 13.
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Sabah FC still shaping squad for M-League
Sabah FC forward Darren Lok (right) keeps the pressure on a Buriram United FC player. – Photo from Sabah FC Facebook KOTA KINABALU (July 14): Sabah FC are still in the team-building phase as they continue to make preparation for the upcoming Malaysian League, which is scheduled for early August kick-off. Head coach Alto Linus made the remark after the Rhinos suffered a 8-2 pre-season defeat to Thailand's top-ranked side Buriram United FC in Pattani yesterday. Stuart Wilkin and substitute Azhad Harraz were on the scoresheet for the Rhinos. While the scoreline was disappointing, Alto however preferred to look at the positive side of things, saying playing against one of the most successful clubs in South East Asia was a good learning experience for the Rhinos. 'The match was very useful in assessing the team's readiness. 'We faced one of the best clubs in South East Asia and it exposed several weaknesses that need to be addressed immediately, especially in terms of defense and game transitions,' he said in a statement issued by the Club today. Commenting further, Alto said the team which started pre-season training less than one month ago and with only one match played prior to Sunday's game, still need to work on their fitness. 'I believe we need another three to four friendly matches before we are truly ready for league,' he added. Meanwhile, Alto praised the performance of the young players recently promoted from the under-23 squad, saying they have shown progress in terms of maturity and commitment when given the chance to play alongside senior players. In addition, new foreign recruits Dean Pelekanos, Dane Ingham and Ajdin Mujagic also featured in the match and progressing well. 'I'm pleased with their current performances and they can only be even better. 'I hope their fitness levels and chemistry with the team will improve much before the league begins,' he added. Alto also expected the team would be even formidable especially at the back when key players Dominic Tan and Gabriel Peres, both central defenders, returned to full fitness. Sabah FC, who finished third in the Super League last season, will open the new campaign against Melaka FC at the Likas Stadium on August 10.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Silver lining for Perak?
Still in the running: Perak's A. Shivan tries to dribble past Sabah's Darren Lok during a Super League match on April 20. — Bernama PETALING JAYA: There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Perak. The Silver State club chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi revealed that they could have a new investor soon and would be able to meet the Malaysian Football League (MFL) club licensing deadline today. 'As long as we have proof of funds, it should not be an issue. I did say three companies have expressed interest but there is one taking it further already,' said Azim. 'We can't disclose the identity of the investor yet, but we are looking to wrap things up quickly.' Perak were owned by XOX Pro Sport Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of XOX Berhad, which took over the club in 2022 from Impact Media and Communication (IMC) Sdn Bhd. Two weeks ago, Perak, eight-time Malaysia Cup champions, officially announced their withdrawal from next season's Super League due to worsening financial troubles. Besides Perak, another club likely to pull out from the Super League are Pahang, with players revealing that they had received letters stating the team's decision not to play in the top flight. Pahang's management have yet to issue any statement on their future plans, but it is learnt that the club are considering playing in the A1 Semi-Pro League. Then there are clubs like Kedah and Kelantan, who are beleaguered by salary arrears, thus jeopardising their chances of getting a national licence. Acting chief executive officer of MFL Mohd Shazli Shaik Mohd said they have to wait till today (until 11.59 pm) to know the number of applicants for the national licence. 'As of now, most clubs have applied for the national licence, including two from the A1 Semi-Pro League (champions Melaka and runners-up Immigration).' Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Sabah and Penang have attained their AFC licences to compete in next season's Asian and Asean competitions.
