Rhinos gunning Armed Forces for points
Heo Jaenyeong returns to the star ng-11 as Sabah Rhinos brace for full points against Armed Forces in an away Premier League match at the Proton Stadium in Tanjung Malim, Perak, tonight
KOTA KINABALU: Heo Jaenyeong returns to the starting-11 as Sabah Rhinos brace for full points against Armed Forces in an away Premier League match at the Proton Stadium in Tanjung Malim, Perak, tonight.
The South Korean central defender missed three of Sabah’s matches due to a foot injury but he has since recovered earlier than expected and is now eager for action.
“He recovered earlier than anybody though and is eager to get back into action. He is very spirited in training and there seems to be no problem featuring him back in the lineup,” head coach Jelius Ating said when met here yesterday.
Heo’s absence has forced Sabah to feature only three foreign imports namely Francis Kasonde, Lee Gil Hoon and Rodoljub Paunovic.
“His return to the squad is very timely because tomorrow we will be without skipper Rawilson Batuil,” Jelius said.
Rawilson who is also a pillar in defense will miss the match due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards in recent matches.
Dendy Lowa is expected to step in alongside Francis, Jenius Karib and Randy Baruh.
Heo on the other hand is likely to be the playmaker in midfield alongside Mohd Azizan Nordin as Sabri Sahar and Lee hold positions in front of them, while Maxsius Musa, Umareng Bacok and/or Leopold Otong are said to fit the bill as wingers.
As usual, Paunovic will be the sole striker for the squad, while Rozaimie Rohim takes helm as custodian.
Also in the line-up of 18 players are Ahmad Azlan Zainal, Rico Nigel Milus, Mohd Azwan Abd Fatah, Hamran Peter and Robson Rendy Rining.
“We will face Armed Forces with a mission to win the points. We want to extend our unbeaten run and we want to redeem ourselves for the earlier defeat to the same opponent. Mostly we want to strengthen our spot in the standings and distance ourself as much as possible from the relegation zone.
“We have worked hard in training and I’m hoping it would pay off. I believe if the players can give their best performance there is no stopping us from winning,” Jelius said.
Meanwhile, team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim is confident Sabah can bring back the points.
“Even though Armed Forces may be at the bottom of the standings it will not be an easy task to try and win the points. We must remember that we lost 5-2 to them in the first round. This is the chance for us to prove that we are a different team now.
“We have to go all out, we must set victory in our minds and strive hard to get it. Whatever the case, I am confident we can get the points,” he said.
The Rhinos are currently on 21 points from 18 matches, while Armed Forces are bottom of the 12-team standings on nine points.
The league takes a break after this fixture to make way for the SEA Games which is happening in Kuala Lumpur. The Permier League resumes with Sabah hosting Perlis on September 19.