Rhinos start early preparation for last three games of Premier League

KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating is wasting no time in his efforts to build a formidable squad to face the Malaysian League next season.

The current campaign is still three games away from conclusion but the Rhinos head coach would want to start early and get the players ready to face the new campaign.

Jelius said the team’s preparation for the upcoming Premier League fixtures remained the priority but he has also called several players from the President Cup (under 21), Youth Cup (under-19) and the FAM Cup outfit KDMM FC to attend training.

According to him, it is the right time to call up the players as this will allow them to assess the footballers early rather than wait to test them at the eleventh hour.

“We want to expose these players by having them joined the senior team in training.

“It is hoped that they will improve their techniques and we may consider those who we think are good enough to be in the senior squad next season,” he said here yesterday.

For the record, Jelius has already led the Rhinos to Premier League safety and their remaining games are against Perlis at home on September 19, away to Kuala Lumpur on September 26 before concluding their season with a home game against Negeri Sembilan on October 27.

Meanwhile, Jelius said the squad had their preparation for the Perlis game in Ranau in an effort to give some fresh environment to the team training session.

He said the focus was on improving the physical strength and technique of the players while at the same time enhancing teamwork and strengthening the bond among the players.

The Rhinos also played a friendly game against Ranau Selections which the state senior squad won 6-0.