Rhinos confident of winning against Terengganu FC II
Sabah remain confident of winning despite going in with a depleted squad against Premier League rivals Terengganu FC II at the Sultan Ismail Nasirudin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu, tonight.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah remain confident of winning despite going in with a depleted squad against Premier League rivals Terengganu FC II at the Sultan Ismail Nasirudin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu, tonight.
Head coach Jelius Ating said the squad would be without four main players including defenders Mafry Balang and Jenius Karib (both still injured) as well as Randy Baruh (due to suspension).
The other player not in the squad for this match is midfielder Keisuke Ogawa. The Japanese player is also out on injury which leaves Sabah with only three foreign imports for the clash.
“The absence of four of our main players is definitely a setback but we are ready for the challenge (to face Terengganu FC II) and I am confident our players will match the opponent to ensure we do not go home empty-handed.
“Some of our younger boys will have to fill the boots of some of our key players and I am confident they will do a good job,” he said when contacted here yesterday.
And although Sabah’s chance of gaining promotion to the Super League next year is increasingly growing thin, Jelius insisted that the team give their best shot to take every chance they have to win points.
“There are still four matches to go. We have to win all of them and see where it takes us in the standings. So for now the main objective is to try and win all our remaining matches. We will take it one game at a time.
“It is also important to win points to try and secure a spot in the Malaysia Cup competition,” said the 47-year-old coach who is also a former defender for the State squad.
On his main line-up, Jelius said it would likely include youngsters Evan Wensley Wenceslaus and Dendy Lowa who would be alongside fellow defenders Rawilson Batuil and Francis Kasonde.
Another youngster, Hamran Peter is also expected to feature in the first-11 in place of the injured Ogawa, while Sabri Sahar takes the point with Mohd Azzizan Nordin and Maxsius Musa in the middle.
Up front will be Hector Omar Ramos Lebron and Rodoljub Paunovic to lead the attack. Jelius has yet to decide between Robson Rendy Rining and Rozaimie Rohim as custodian, but either one is equally capable as the other.
Sabah are currently fifth on 21 points from a record of five wins, six draws and five defeats, while Terengganu FC II are bottom of the 11-team standings on 17 points from as many matches played.
Felda occupy the top spot on 37 points followed by Felcra in second spot on 28, Police in third place on 25 and MISC-MIFA on 23 points in fourth.
Sabah won 4-0 in the previous clash with Terengganu FC II. The match which was played at the Likas Stadium back in February was Sabah’s first game of the season.