Tambadaus not worried
The Tambadaus remain unperturbed as they gear up to face defending champions Perak in the Malaysia Cup Group C match at the Ipoh Stadium, tonight.
KOTA KINABALU: The Tambadaus remain unperturbed as they gear up to face defending champions Perak in the Malaysia Cup Group C match at the Ipoh Stadium, tonight.
Top officials of the Sabah Football Association, including acting president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is also the
team's biggest fan, echoed with the confidence of the team and players.
“We made preparations to the best of our ability and we are fully ready to face the champions. This (match) is the perfect platform for the players to prove that they are on a different level now than in the 5-0 semi-final defeat to Perak at the same venue last year,” said Peter, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development.
He told reporters this after launching the ministry's tenpin bowling tournament (involving teams and players from various departments and agencies) organised by Sabah Port Authority at CPS Bowl here, yesterday.
“All players are at their best and their spirit from winning the Premier League title this season is still burning. This is a good sign and I am confident they (Tambadaus) will create a surprise.
“To this end, I urge Sabah supporters to keep up with the team's development and continue to give their support forwith prayers and cheers. The match tomorrow will be broadcast live on TV2 and hopefully we will see something positive from the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Peter congratulated the team's striker Rodoljub Paunovic for winning the Premier League's Monthly Top Player Award for June. (see separate story)
“I hope Paunovic will continue to play his role (this evening) as the team's leading striker,” said Peter.
Paunovic is among four foreign imports to be fielded including Aguinaldo Mendes, Ahmet Atayev and Park Tae Su.
The Serbian striker will partner with Mendes to spearhead the attack, while Atayev and Mohd Azizan Nordin take up midfield duty flanked by wingers Jenius Karib and Alto Linus.
Park will team up with skipper Rawilson Batuil to keep things tight at the back. Assisting them are fellow defenders Randy Baruh and Evan Wensley, while Rozaimie Rohim retains his position as the main custodian.
Also available on call in the 18-team play list are Robson Rendy Rining, Mafry Balang, Dendy Lowa, Ricco Nigel Milus, Mohd Azwan Fattah, Maxsius Musa and Rahman Shah Marajeh.