Rhinos’ Japan import might see ac on
Sabah’s new player Keisuka Ogawa could make an appearance in the Premier League football match against UKM FC at the Likas Stadium here this evening.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s new player Keisuka Ogawa could make an appearance in the Premier League football match against UKM FC at the Likas Stadium here this evening.
Sabah head coach Jelius Ating said the process to allow Ogawa to make his debut was going smoothly and that the midfielder could help strengthen the squad as Sabah look to bounce back from defeat in their previous game.
The 31-year-old had impressed during his trial with the Rhinos recently and, fortunately for Jelius, the local FA managed to finalise a six-month deal with the Japanese player.
“We are grateful to be able to finalise the deal before the game tomorrow and I hope it can help to strengthen the squad, especially in midfield.
“He (Ogawa) has been with us for only a few days but he is already acclimatising with the team and gelling with the players quite well,” Jelius said when contacted here yesterday.
On his line up to face the opponent, Jelius said there would only be minor changes to allow Ogawa to fit in, while a replacement in defense could be necessary as Jenius Karib makes his way out due to injury.
“We also might need to replace Sabri Sahar, who is also lightly injured but we will see how it goes tomorrow if he recovers or not,” he said.
Sabah has seen a dip in form lately after a glorious start to the season. To this end, Jelius hoped his squad would bounce back to end their six-match winless streak.
“We conceded goals very easily in recent games and that is something that we have to rectify if we want to get back to winning ways.
“I hope the boys can put on their best performance so that we can win,” he said.
It is likely that Jelius will retain Rendy Robson Rining as his main custodian with Rawilson Batuil, Francis Kasonde, Randy Baruh Samson and Maffry Balang in defense.
Ogawa, on the other hand, will orchestrate in midfield aided by Mohd Azzizan Nordin, Maxsius Musa and either Sabri Sahar or Umareng Bacok.
Puerto Rican striker Hector Omar Ramos Lebron will lead the attack with Rahman Shah Marajeh.