Rhinos ready for final three games
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah are not going to take anything for granted in their remaining games of the Premier League campaign.
The Rhinos are left with three league fixtures but regardless of the results, it will have no effect on their status having secured safety following a run of good results under head coach Jelius Ating.
That however is no excuse for Sabah to take their remaining games lightly as they look to make a strong finish that could inject positive impact into their preparation for the next season.
Team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim said efforts have been made to ensure the players are ready physically and mentally, including a training stint in Ranau recently while holding friendly matches to keep the players match fit.
“Our head coach is one who always wants the team to be ready all the time,” said Juil during Sabah versus Papar Selection friendly match at the district town field on Saturday.
“When the team is given a long holiday, he would shorten it because if we train, train and train but then go for a one-week break, it will not be effective.
“In fact, we have made early preparation to face the last three games and the head coach always works hard to ensure the players’ stamina are at a good level.
“And the head coach wants the preparation despite knowing results in the last three games will have no effect on the team’s Premier League status.
“But, we want to maintain our run of unbeaten games (in the league)...to keep the momentum intact. That is what the coach wants thus the early preparation because if we don’t conduct it now, we may face problems later on,” he added.
Sabah’s preparation includes training stint in Ranau, which both Juil and Jelius agreed as an ideal place for team building, as well as playing in a couple of friendly matches.
The Rhinos won easily against Papar Selection 3-0 on Sunday following their 6-0 victory against a Ranau Selection two weeks ago.
“I admit the teams we played against are not as strong but at least it gives the players minutes on the pitch as part of our preparation,” he said.
Sabah, unbeaten in their last four matches (three wins and one draw), are currently seventh in the 12-team Premier League on 24 points with seven wins, three draws and nine losses.
The Rhinos will resume their league challenge at home to Perlis on September 9, followed by the away test against Kuala Lumpur on September 26 before concluding their season with a home tie against Negeri Sembilan on October 27.
Meanwhile, Juil hoped by bringing the state senior squad to Papar for the first time ever, it will have a huge impact on the development of the sport in the district.
He said many people turned up for the match, especially the youngsters, and Juil believed the opportunity to watch their favourite players up close could instill interest among them to pick up the sport.