Uphill task for Tambadaus tonight
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, despite faced with off-the-field distractions, remain focussed in their quest to achieve positive result against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Head coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto said they have done their best on the training field in preparation for the game and that the players are all set for the clash against the Super League leaders at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor tonight.
“We have done everything in training and I hope the players will give 100 percent efforts on the field.
“Hopefully we will be able to return with the points,” he said yesterday.
Sabah’s preparation had been hampered by the sudden resignation of Datuk Peter Anthony, the Sabah Football Association (Safa) president, whose short tenure had brought Sabah their first major title as well as promotion to the Super League.
Apart from that, the rising Covid-19 cases in the state too has had its effect on the team where they were required to undergo screening. The tests results came out negative which is a relief to the team.
The Tambadaus have been following strictly the standard operating procedure (SOP) and they even travel to Johor on a chartered flight courtesy of Johor Crown Prince (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Ibrahim.
Despite all that, the main challenges remain on the pitch where the Tambadaus will be up against a certain JDT side, who have been in good scoring form as they need only one point to cement a record seventh straight Super League title.
Kurniawan hoped Sabah would be able to prevent that from happening and that the Tambadaus’ recent 3-2 win over Malacca coupled with JDT held 2-2 by PJ City FC in last Friday could give them much hope to avoid defeats.
“We respect JDT as the defending league champions but that’s not an excuse not to give our best and try to get something from the game.
“The match starts with a 00 score and we need to stay focus and keep our discipline... we also need to minimise the mistakes which could benefit the opposing team.
“We have prepared our tacticals to tackle JDT and I hope everything will go according to plan,” he added.
Meanwhile, captain Rawilson Batuil is all set to return from a one-match suspension and will bolster the Tambadaus’ backline against the star-studded JDT frontline.
The travelling squad however does not include the injured Azzizan Nordin and Kassy Guy Mickael Gnabouyou.
The rest of the players are Rozaimie Rohim, Robson Rendy Rining, Alto Linus, Dendy Lowa, Dennis Buschening, Evan Wensley Wenceslaus, Randy Baruh @Samson, Ariusdius Jais, Mafry Balang, Maxsius Musa, Jenius Karib, Mohd Syukri Baharun, Ricco Nigel Milus, Park Tae Su, Petrus Shitembi, Sabri Sahar, Rodoljub Paunovic, Ummareng Bacok, Hamran Peter dan Mohd Azwan Abd Fatah.
Sabah are currently ninth in the 12-team table on nine points, which is just two points above the relegation zone.
The Tambadaus will conclude the campaign at home to UiTM FC on October 10.