Friendlies crucial to Rhinos – Jelius
Head coach Jelius A ng has high hopes that the pre-season tour of the Philippines would further enhance the Rhinos prepara on for the Malaysian League 2018.
KOTA KINABALU: Head coach Jelius Ating has high hopes that the pre-season tour of the Philippines would further enhance the Rhinos preparation for the Malaysian League 2018.
Jelius said the team have shown progress since preparation started last November but for one important setback - the lack of top quality warm-up matches.
The Rhinos have played in several friendly matches including twice against Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra last December but Jelius was hoping for more games.
That is why he viewed the onagain stint in the Philippines as a crucial warm-up for the players especially when the Premier League kick-off is less than two weeks away.
“We started our pre-season in early November last year and I’m quite happy to note that there were progresses made in the team, including among the young players.
“The only thing that have been holding back the team to further improve was the lack of competitive matches... we need more of it to further enhance our preparation for the new season.
“That is why I look forward to the friendlies in Manila and I believe it will help us to identify the strength and weakness of the squad... I’m sure the team will benefit,” he said when met here recently.
The Rhinos who left for the Philippines yesterday evening will take on Global Cebu FC on January 23 and Kaya FC-Makati on January 25.
The squad to Manila that will be led by team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim however will only comprise 20 players out of the 30 footballers in the state senior squad.
Newly signed Puerto Rico striker Hector “Pito” Ramos will be among the travelling party while Croatian defender Igor Cerina is a notable absentee.
The rest of the squad are Rozaimi Rohim, Robson Rendy Rining, Lee Gil-Hoon, Heo Jaenyeong, Rawilson Batuil, Rico Nigel Milus, Mohd Azzizan Nordin, Jenius Karib, Ummareng Bacok, Maxsius Musa, Deny Lowa, Sabri Sahar, Randy Baruh @ Samson, Leopold Alfonso Otong, Hamran Peter, Mafry Balang, Dawira Sazan, Elias Sulaiman and Justin Samaan.
Meanwhile, Jelius expressed hope that Sabah will be more competitive in the 2018 campaign.
While he did not set any specific target, the former Sabah captain hoped that the team would not be involved in the relegation battle, which they had experienced in the last couple of seasons.
“We will try to avoid that from happening again. We know that the season will not be easy but we will try our utmost best.
“If we can start positively and end the campaign well, I think we can have a good season,” said the 47-year-old Jelius.
For the record, Sabah will open their league campaign against Terengganu FC at the Likas Stadium here on February 2.