Jelius upbeat Tambadaus will make it
An cipa on looms as the Tambadaus point their horns forward in this season’s first instalment of the Borneo Derby, happening at the Stadium Negeri in Kuching, Sarawak, late this a ernoon.
KOTA KINABALU: Anticipation looms as the Tambadaus point their horns forward in this season's first instalment of the Borneo Derby, happening at the Stadium Negeri in Kuching, Sarawak, late this afternoon.
The Premier League match presents a winning chance for Sabah Tambadaus to improve their position in the standings. And with confidence restored from their home victory last week, things look rosy for the visitors to score the points.
Sarawak on the other hand are a solid team that should not be taken lightly. A title victory in 2013 dispels any doubt that they are a team with champions pedigrees.
Despite their wounds from a 3-2 defeat to Selangor United in Selayang last week, the Crocs will be setting aside their troubles to make it two-for-two in front of home supporters.
They lost their first match 2-1 to Negeri Sembilan on February 2 but bounced back with a 2-0 home victory against Penang the following week.
Both teams seem equally matched for this encounter. As such prediction can fly in the face of anyone who dares enough to put money down on which side to win the game.
Sabah head coach Jelius Ating warned his charges not to let victory get to their heads. The 3-1 win against Terengganu FC II indicates that Sabah have found their rhythm. Jelius hoped it can be turned into momentum if the players have strong determination to win the game.
“We managed to win at home last week, which was a good sign of things to come. I believe the players have found their rhythm and hopefully they show it again tomorrow (today),” he said when contacted here, yesterday.
Earlier, Sabah lost 2-1 to JDT II (Johor Darul Ta'zim II) in their campaign-opener at the Likas Stadium on February 2.Later they held Kelantan to a 3-3 draw to bag their first point of the season.
“We found our rhythm but whether or not we can maintain it depends greatly on our effort and determination to win this game,” he said.
Jelius expects the Crocs to take full advantage of the strong support from the home crowd.
He said Sarawak also have the physical superiority of a youthful squad capable of overpowering any opponent.
At the onset, Sabah have only three foreign imports after losing Luiz Carlos Junior to injury last week.
The Brazilian striker's absence leaves a notable dent in what is otherwise a full strength squad for this important game.
“Losing Luiz came to the detriment of our preparation but this sort of thing happens all the time in football and we just have to take it in stride.
“We do not want to risk a long term injury so we will make sure he fully recovers before we bring him back,” Jelius said.
However, he hoped Luiz would be back up to snuff for the next match against Police (PDRM) at the Likas Stadium on March 2.
Another concern for the Tambadaus is playing in the afternoon sun.
“Naturally, it is tougher than playing under floodlights. Temperatures have been soaring lately plus our record is not so good when it comes to afternoon matches. But we have considered all factors…hopefully the players can stand the heat,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jelius envisaged only a slight change in the lineup. Ricco Nigel Milus replaces the injured Luiz, while other players retain their usual positions.
Ricco will double with Luka Milunovic to support Rodoljub Paunovic as sole striker, while Maxsius Musa and Sabri Sahar take the flanks with Mohd Azzizan Nordin in midfield.
Park Taesu will hold the lines with fellow defenders Rawilson Batuil, Randy Baruh and Dendy Lowa. They will keep the threats at bay as Rozaimi Rohim retains his role as the team's main custodian.
Other players available for the match are Robson Rendy Rining, Mafry Balang, Alto Linus, Jenius Karib, Justin Samaan, Umareng Bacok and Rahman Shah Marajeh.