Sabah hitman Johnson doesn’t want to be one-hit wonder
PETALING JAYA: Sabah can be an exciting side with plenty of attacking talents, if only they had a good finisher.
Their hitman Sam Johnson of Liberia knows that he has been missing the net more often than not in the Super League since joining Sabah mid-March but he hopes to light up the arena with his goals when they face bottom-placed UiTM at the Likas Stadium tonight.
There is no denying that Sabah boast of having Indonesian speedster Saddil Ramdani, veteran playmaker Amri Yahyah and Gabonese attacker Levy Madinda to gel well in the attack but they don’t have the right person to convert the numerous chances created by the trio.
The 27-year-old Johnson only scored once when the Rhinos beat Terengganu 2-1 at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu and assisted Saddil to score against Penang in their 1-1 draw at the City Stadium, Georgetown, last week.
He however, has been instrumental in terms of holding up the ball and getting other attackers in good positions.
The former Real Salt Lake player, who is on a new journey in his career after playing in the Major League Soccer, promises to step up.
“I came in very late. So I needed some time to catch up to get back at my level.
“Every day I’m feeling stronger. I’m getting to know every player and the way they play, it will help me a lot,” said Johnson.
“I have good impressions of everyone so far. Everyone is positive and is trying to help me, and I really appreciate that.
“My early assessment of the Malaysian League is good, I think the level is alright. Sabah have showed me a lot of confidence and positivity and I hope to have a good season with them.”
On the team’s chances against UiTM, Johnson said he had done enough research.
“We know their strengths and weaknesses. We respect them but we are prepared. We have to work hard as a collective unit to achieve good results.”
Sabah are lying in the 10th position with six points, just a spot above the relegation zone, while UiTM are last with just a point from eight matches.