Jelius vows to do his best
KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating has pledged his best to try and guide the Rhinos back on track in the Premier League campaign.
Describing the task as a ‘difficult, huge and heavy responsibility’, the newly appointed head coach said he would need the support from all to bring positive development to the team.
“I would like to thank the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman) who is also the Sabah FA (Safa) president for showing faith in me to take the ‘hot seat’ that is the head coach of the state senior squad.
“We are all aware that the team is in a critical situation so personally, it is a very difficult, huge and heavy responsibility thatwe (coaching staff and team officials) have to shoulder and implement effectively.
“I am not trying to give too high a promise or great expectation to any parties but what I’m asking for is to have faith in us so that we can do our job properly.
“One thing that I can promise is that I will give my utmost best and with my football background as a player and experience in coaching, hopefully it will help me to propel Sabah to a standing that we can be proud of,” said Jelius who conducted his first training session with the senior team at the Likas Stadium here yesterday.
The 46-year-old was the State Under-19 coach when he was fasttracked into the senior squad to replace French coach Steve Vilmiaire following Sabah’s poor run in the league, where the Rhinos registered only one win and a draw in eight matches.
Datuk Juil Nuatim and Burhan Ajui were also promoted from the President Cup and appointedteam manager and assistant coach respectively.
“As I said, the situation is slightly critical for Sabah at the moment where we aresecond from bottom in the 12-team league.
“The first target for me is to ensure Sabahmove out from the relegation zone and go on to maintain our Premier League status.
“The second thing is to find solutions on how to improve the current situation that we are in. It would be a tall order to fight for the top but we must at least achieve the highest possible finish in the league.
“That is why I hope for support, encouragement andfaith from all...the FA management, media and of course the Sabah football fans.
“Hopefully we will be able to repay the faith given by bringing a positive change and ensuring success for the state squad,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jelius said he would meet with the local footballers which was yesterday and followed by foreign imports and previous team officials to get to know the team better.
“I want to know what were the problems before this. After getting all the feedbacks from them only then we are able to find the solutions on how to improve the performance of the team.
“I will only be able to decide on whether we need to change the players or not,” he said.
Having said that, Jelius revealed he would utilise the existing players since the midseason transfer window will only open in May and if the need arises, get back-up from the two Sabah junior squads.
For the record, the league is currently taking a break until April 7.
However, Jelius first game in charge ofthe senior squad will be the FA Cup quarter-final first leg tie against Negeri Sembilan at the Likas Stadium on April 1.