ALOR SETAR, July 12 — The Kedah Football Association (KFA) has signed strikers Shane Edward Smeltz and Thiago Augusto Fernandes to spearhead the Kedah attack in the remaining Super League matches.

Its president, Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said Shane Edward, 34, a New Zealander and Fernandes, 26, a Brazilian, signed up with Kedah yesterday.

The Kedah mentri besar said the two players replace Carlos Eduardo, another Brazilian, and Ahmad Fakri Saarani for failing to show a good performance.

"Both experienced players can help to improve Kedah’s position in the Super League and to win at least one trophy this season.

"Shane Edward has played for the New Zealand national team in the 2010 World Cup and elite tournaments in Asia,” he said during a meeting with the two players at Darul Aman Stadium, here today.

Ahmad Bashah said the contract of Sandro Da Silva was not terminated to allow the Brazilian to undergo treatment and recover completely from the injury.

Meanwhile, Kedah head coach Tan Cheng Hoe said the two players will lead the Kedah attack when they host Sarawak in a Malaysia Cup tie tomorrow.

"There is a little change in the team’s formation but it is not a problem as long as we have the opportunity to score goals,” he added. — Bernama