Tambadaus a different team now, warns Jelius
Their poor record last year against Perak raises no concern as the Tambadaus are ready to face the same opponent in the Malaysia Cup Group C match at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, tomorrow.
“The bad record last year is now nothing more than bitter memories of the past. The challenge now is a new one and there is no need for us to look back.
“I expect the team to play better than last year, especially with the improved performance of the players and team,” said head coach Jelius Ating when met at the team's training session in Likas, yesterday.
Sabah lost 5-0 at the same venue in the first leg semifinal match of the Malaysia Cup last year, and only managed a 2-2 draw at the Likas Stadium in the return leg match.
Perak eventually went on to win the tournament (the oldest in Asia) when they beat Terengganu FC 4-1 on penalties after both sides drew 2-2 in regulation time and 3-3 after extra time.
“Perak are a good team who emerged as FA Cup champions recently. We respect them as the current and defending champions of the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup but that does not mean we surrender to them early.
“We do not need to look at their strengths but instead focus on our own abilities. I hope our success of winning the Premier League this season will motivate the players to work harder in the Malaysia Cup,” Jelius said.
He said the team had made good preparation which included two friendly matches with UKM FC in Kuala Lumpur last week.
"I hope our preparation is sufficient for this season's Malaysia Cup. We were drawn in a group of formidable teams but we are ready.
“The first match against Perak this Sunday is very important and I hope we can get a good result as a motivator for the next one,” he said.
According to Jelius, all players are in top form and free from injury.
“I will field only our best players who are really ready. There should not be any major changes but I will decide that later after our training session tomorrow in Perak,” he said.