Jelius expects better Rhinos performance
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah head coach Jelius Ating is expecting better when his Premier League squad takes on Super League side Sarawak in a second friendly match at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah Stadium here, this evening.
The match is scheduled for a 9pm kick-off at the UMS Stadium after a problem with the floodlights at the Likas Stadium prompted a change of venue.
Jelius will field the same list of players who are expected to put on a better showing from executing the same formation strategy. According to the rookie coach, “it is the best formation for the team right now”.
“I have a few other playercombination sand formations that I can throw in the mix but I want to focus on what is working for the team right now.
“I am worried that we might end up with nothing if we try something else before we make solid what we have now,” he said when met at the Likas Stadium, yesterday.
He also said that tonight's game is only the second match that all four foreign imports (Lee Gil Hoon, Heo Jaenyong, Ruduljob Paunovic and Francis Kasonde) are together in one line-up.
“We might not have a better friendly match than this although I am hoping to get another good one next week before we resume our (Premier League) campaign on June 30.
“I need this (match) to work for us... enhance our player combos and the formation that I try to instil. At the same time, I want to try and come up with more ideas on how we can improve the team's performance,” he said.
This is the Rhinos second friendly encounter with Sarawak after winning the first one 2-1 at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday.
Jelius fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rozaimie Rohim anchored at goal and Kasonde in control of a defence line that included Rawilson Batuil, Jenius Karib and Dendy Lowa.
Jaenyong paired with Azizan Nordin in midfield and in front of them were Lee, Maxsius Musa and Sabri Sahar. Paunovic was the sole striker.
Randy Baruh, Umareng Bacok and Leopold Otong were introduced as substitutes to replace Jenius, Maxsius and Sabri.
Sabah netted in the 43rd minute through Lee, while an own goal by Demerson Bruno doubled the host team's lead in the 64th minute. Mateo Roskam scored for Sarawak nine minutes later.
“It took us a while to break into rhythm. The first 30 minutes was a bit untidy. I hope I can see the team and everyone perform better tomorrow (today),” said Jelius.
The Rhinos, who are currently ninth on 11 points from 13 matches, will resume their Premier League campaign on June 30, away to Police.