Rhinos regain full team
Sabah have been handed a double injury boost with the return of key players Mafry Balang and Maxsius Musa to full team training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home e against Sarawak.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah have been handed a double injury boost with the return of key players Mafry Balang and Maxsius Musa to full team training ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home tie against Sarawak.
Defender Mafry was troubled by his hamstring while flanker Maxsius suffered a twisted ankle, which led to their premature end to their involvement in the 2-0 win over PDRM here on February 9.
The duo has since returned to their first team training, giving a massive boost as they prepare for the Borneo derby.
Jelius however refused to confirm whether the two of them would start against Sarawak.
“They looked alright but we still need to have a good look at them in the next few days because we need to make sure they are 100 per cent okay.
“If they are fit to play, then we will give them some minutes on Saturday but if not, then we need to look at other options...I think we have adequate replacements for any of the two,” he said during training at the Likas Stadium yesterday.
The duo have impressed in Sabah’s unbeaten start to the season with Mafry rock solid marshalling the backline and Maxsius being a constant menace to the opposition with his darting runs down the right flank.
“I certainly hope that they are okay because I don’t see any reason for us to make changes to our first team. We are happy with them,” added Jelius, who said the team returned to training on Monday after a two-day Chinese New Year break.
Meanwhile, Jelius revealed he may go for an attacking formation against Sarawak, switching from his preferred 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 formation.
He said the signing of Zambian defender Francis Kasonde and Mafry’s return to training could see the squad switch to a three-man defence.
“The team has done well in a 4-4-2 formation and Randy (Baruh @ Samson) and Jenius (Karib) have been doing rather well in the right and left back positions.
“But one of them may have to start from the bench if we are to change formation as with Francis now in the squad, we can play with three at the back with Mafry and Rawilson (Batuil).
“We tried it on Monday and again today (yesterday). We will do the same tomorrow and see how the team will cope with it.
“If they are able to adapt to the formation and are comfortable with it, there is a huge possibility that we will make the tactical change,” said Jelius.
For the record, Sabah are second in the Premier League on seven points (two wins and one draw) and trail leaders Felda United FC by two points.