It’s premature to celebrate win, says Sabah coach

PETALING JAYA: Coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto has warned Sabah players not to go overboard in their celebrations after ending their four-match winless run to climb out of the drop zone.

The Rhinos bulldozed their way to a 3-2 win over Melaka in their do-or-die Super League match at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.

They had to come from a goal down twice for the win which would definitely ease their relegation worries.

Kurniawan reminded his players to keep their feet on the ground and to get ready for matches against leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) (Oct 2) and UiTM (Oct 10).

“It was a deserved win for us. The players worked hard for it but we can’t be celebrating too long as our position is not safe yet although we are not in the relegation zone,” said Kurniawan.

“We want to stay in the Super League next season and we need to focus on the next two games. As long as we work hard, we can get the results.

“I’m a firm believer that we can overcome the odds, especially against our next two higher ranked opponents, by sheer hard work and commitment.

“Everyone knows JDT are the best team in the country but if Petaling Jaya City could steal a point from them, I think we can do the same too ... nothing is impossible in football.”

The Rhinos’ second win this season saw the team move up two rungs to ninth spot in the 12-team standings with nine points after nine matches while Melaka remain in seventh spot with 11 points.