Don’t let guard down, Junior Rhinos told
KOTA KINABALU: The state football junior squad have been urged not to rest on their laurels despite their superb performance concluding at the top of the table in the first round fixtures of the President’s Cup Group A challenge.
The Sabah under-21 squad are on top of the group with 27 points after winning nine out of 10 matches to lead by six points from Kedah, who are currently second (21 points).
Sabah Football Association (SAFA) vice president Benedict Asmat said the team deserved a pat on the back but also warned that the challenge was only halfway through.
“There is nothing yet to celebrate although comparatively, they have done a better job in the first round than throughout the entire season in the past four years.
“What we hope for is that they build on this achievement to keep on going in the second round with even greater confidence and determination,” said Benedict when met here yesterday.
Benedict, who is also SAFA chairman of the management committee, said the outstanding achievement was a result of hard work and commitment from everyone.
“And when I say commitment, I don’t just mean from the squad but from the association’s management and administrative side as well, which is led by SAFA president Tan Sri Musa Aman.
“Despite his busy schedule as Chief Minister, Tan Sri Musa is committed to his role as SAFA supremo by ensuring that all matters of the association and teams (Premier League, Presidential Cup and Youth Cup) work smoothly, including their welfare,” he said.
Benedict said SAFA was fortunate to have Musa as president as through his support and assistance, all of the association’s affairs as well as the three teams’ which involved huge costs were running smoothly.
“To ensure that the sacrifices and commitment of Tan Sri Musa are worthwhile, the team is committed to pursuing success.
“I am happy that our teams are committed and all are on the right track but we want the good achievement to be enjoyed at the end of the season and not just midway,” he said.
Meanwhile, the senior (Premier League) squad led by head coach Jelius Ating also performed well and are unbeaten in second place on 12 points after six matches (three wins and three draws).
Mohd Aiyyman Johnny Abdullah’s under-19 squad is also doing well in third (14 points) in the Group A Youth Cup league after seven games with four wins, two draws and only one defeat.
“The coaches have done their jobs well and also the managers, especially Datuk Juil Nuatim (senior squad manager), Mohd Yasin Aman (President’s Cup team manager) and Azman Mastar (Youth Cup).
“They have not only been doing well in their respective teams but have worked together,” he said.
Benedict said support from the fans, especially for the senior squad, also improved this season but he hoped that fans would also support the two young teams, especially in their home matches.