Strong fan support crucial to crack UiTM
Sabah Tambadau have a tough task of taking on UiTM FC in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium, tonight.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tambadau have a tough task of taking on UiTM FC in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium, tonight.
They are fighting back to try and regain rhythm after suffering two consecutive defeats recently and a list of injuries that include some of their top players means they are in a fix to try and pull it off in this encounter.
Skipper Rawilson Batuil and Azizan Nordin are among those who will not be listed in the line-up this evening.
Maxsius Musa is also doubtful as with Ricco Nigel Milus, not to mention Sabri Sahar who is likely out for the long run after a knee injury landed him on the surgery table not too long ago.
“We will not have Rawilson and Azizan as they are both serving a one-match suspension after picking up three yellow cards recently.
“Maxsius is also doubtful due to injury and Sabri as we know is still on the recovery bed. His replacement, Ricco is also injured.
“And I admit, the two defeats recently affected our confidence but I have never stopped giving words of encouragement to the team.
“This is an important match for and one that we need to win to strengthen our position in the standings. It will also help get our confidence back,” said head coach Jelius Ating when met here yesterday.
Back-to-back defeats to Kelantan United FC in the FA Cup and to Selangor United in the Premier League last week resulted in the team's loss of confidence.
However, team manager Henry Saimpon said playing at the Likas Stadium could help restore the team's spirits and put Sabah Tambadau back on the right track.
“Tomorrow we either win or get overtaken in the standings. It is a match that we must win and being a home match makes it all more important for us to win.
“We have a big advantage, especially if the stadium is filled with fans,” he said.
According to Henry, the team are in high spirits and ready to bounce back with victory.
“We are in good shape but we will not have the services of some of our top players. Nonetheless, I believe Jelius has a plan to lead the team to victory,” he said, while urging the fans to turn up in numbers.
Meanwhile, Jelius is likely to retain his first-11 squad with the exception of a few minor changes.
Rozaimie Rohim is expected to remain as the team's main custodian, while Mafry Balang leads the back line with fellow defenders Park Tae Su, Randy Baruh and Dendy Lowa.
Luka Milunovic will orchestrate in midfield assisted by Jenius Karib, Alto Linus and Muhammad Mohd Safar, while Luis Carlos Junior and Rodoljub Paunovic remain as the twoman strike force.
For the record, Sabah are second in the standings on 14 points while UiTM FC are third with only one point behind and a game in hand.