Kim Swee laments lack of strength in depth after Rhinos bow out

JAYA: Sabah coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee says he will focus on building up his squad’s strength in depth for the new season after bowing out of the Malaysia Cup in the semi-finals.

The Rhinos were knocked out 4-1 on aggregate by Johor Darul Ta’zim after losing the second leg 1-3 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Sunday.

Beset by injuries to key players, Kim Swee only listed 16 players instead of the usual 20 for the second leg.

He said he would be dipping his hands into the transfer market to bolster his squad.

“The road we took was a hard one. When facing a top side like JDT, you must be at your best. But we had a 0-1 deficit to overcome and yet had to deal with injuries to key players,” said Kim Swee.

“We tried to defend, but in the first half they scored two, which forced us to play the chasing game.

“We started well in the second half, only to lose focus later. That’s how we conceded the third goal. It wasn’t easy. We came with only 16 players. It’s hard to compete, but all the boys showed great commitment, which bodes well for the future.

“We’re looking to add a few more players in several positions for the next season. But it’s up to the club to approve.’’

Some of the players linked to Sabah, with sources claiming that they have signed on the dotted lines, are Petaling Jaya City attackers Darren Lok, S. Kumaahran and Kuala Lumpur centreback Irfan Zakaria.

“It’s too early for me to say if Darren has joined us, but he is one of our targets. I’ve to assert that we don’t spend lavishly. We will leave it to the management.’’

Kim Swee also said discussions are ongoing to extend the stay of Irfan Fazail and Stuart Wilkin, who joined Sabah on loan from JDT.

“These two are on the list of players I want to retain but it depends on our discussion with JDT.”

Summing up the season for Sabah, who finished third in the Super League and also reached the semi-finals in the FA and Malaysia Cups, Kim Swee said: “It was the fighting spirit that brought us this far.

“This season, we faced a lot of injuries, so the reserve and junior players had their minutes. They worked hard to help us get where we are.’’

“We showed great team spirit throughout the season. That must be maintained next year.”