'This is a first': coach Dollah left stunned by KL City's player crisis

Kuala Lumpur - Datuk Dollah Salleh, a seasoned coach who has managed some of Malaysia's premier teams, has never faced a crisis quite like the one currently confronting KL City. In a Super League match against Kuching City that took place at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras, the City Boys were forced to field a paltry 10 players due to a FIFA transfer ban, resulting in a decisive 6-0 defeat.

Dollah revealed that this unprecedented situation has never occurred during his illustrious coaching career, stating, "This is a first in my life." He explained that rather than dwelling on the unfavorable outcome, he urged his players to give their best effort, as they had anticipated a negative result. Kuching City, also reduced to 10 men late in the first half after James Okwuosa received a red card, struggled to capitalize on their numerical disadvantage, allowing KL City to dominate.

FIFA subsequently lifted the transfer ban, enabling KL City to register new players in time for their upcoming match against DPMM FC. The former national coach admitted that he had expected a tough loss against Kuching, given the squad's depleted state. Despite the players' commitment and maximum effort, even when both teams were limited to 10 players, KL City found themselves short of options for substitutions, leading to a lackluster performance in the second half.

Dollah expressed his sympathy for the players, acknowledging that they played with their hearts, but urged them to remain positive despite the circumstances.