UKM FC show some big guns

do not have a big budget, but it has not stopped them from making an impact against the bigger teams in the Challenge Cup.

Many thought the university team would get relegated from the Premier League this year.

However, Sulaiman Hussin’s side defied the odds to finish eighth following a tense relegation battle with Selangor United, Kelantan and Sarawak.

In the Challenge Cup, a competition for teams who fail to qualify for the Malaysia Cup, UKM surprisingly topped Group A before edging Sarawak 1-0 in the semi-final first leg in Kuching last week.

Today, the club will be aiming for a second straight Challenge Cup final when they entertain Sarawak in the return leg in Cheras.

Last year, they were edged 4-2 on aggregate by Terengganu FC II in the final.

“We are a club with a small budget, but it has not stopped us from achieving our targets. Our target in the Premier League was only to maintain our status, and we managed to finish eighth.

“Now we are on the brink of reaching the Challenge Cup final again.

“Sarawak have a decent squad with a good blend of senior and youth footballers. Players like Bobby Gonzales and Hudson Jesus are very dangerous, and we cannot give them space to operate.

“We will not defend tomorrow (today). Sarawak will make it tough for us, but we are ready for them.

“Our players are in good shape except for defender K. Reuben, who is nursing a leg injury,” said Sulaiman.

Sulaiman made a bold move in the first leg against Sarawak by fielding only two imports in forwards Milad Zanidpour and Mateo Roskam and leaving Michael Ijezie and Alexandru Tudose on the bench.

“I do not field players based on their reputation. No player is guaranteed a spot in my starting line up.

“My local players are doing very well in matches. However, it does not mean that players like Ijezie and Tudose have failed to spark. They are still in my plans,” he added.