English-born Darren Lok was finally granted a long-standing green light to play in the Malaysia league on Thursday, after receiving his passport from the country's Immigration Department, and is now ready to don the colours of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II.
The striker, who signed for the Malaysia Premier League side in June from sixth-tier Conference South League outfit Eastbourne Borough, was registered during the Malaysian league second transfer window a month later.
Darren, who is of English-Malaysian parentage, however had to endure a long wait on the sidelines for the approval for his passport, before the good news finally arrived.
"It marks a new chapter in my football career. With matters settled, I now want to focus on making an impression in the M-League," Darren told NST Online.
"I have been training with the team and also working out in the gym since arriving. The season is almost over and it's a shame I could not feature much earlier. But we still have games coming up, and hopefully I'll get to play."
JDT II coach Benjamin Mora told ESPN FC in August that Darren's debut was an anticipated one.
"Darren looks impressive in training, he's well built, has pace and an eye for goals. He is also versatile upfront, he can play on either flank, as a support striker or even a target man. I'm looking forward to watching him in competitive action," said Mora.
The 25-year-old is likely to make his debut against Kuala Lumpur at the Pasir Gudang Stadium on Friday, and also play in the final league game against DRB-Hicom on Oct. 21.
If the Hailsham-born is impressive enough, he could even be a contender for the national team, who are gearing up for the regional AFF Cup in November.
JDT II are just a point from the promotion spot to the Malaysia Super League in third, tailing second-place PKNS FC who host champions Melaka United in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday.