Kota Kinabalu: Sabah are looking forward to playing host to Johor PG in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium on Tuesday.
The Rhinos who are currently in eighth spot with six points will not take things lightly considering the hurdle that they have to go through when they clash with Johor PG who are currently in third spot with nine points.
Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said the race for top spot is getting tighter, "We need to win our matches in order for us to be promoted to the Super League next season," he said, addingÉ "we need the points to keep pace."
"So far we are doing fine and we have been winning points but we need to be more aggressive in order to win more (points)," he said on Monday.
Since the league started we have only managed to collect six points from a win and three draws. We lost two matches," he added.
"But at this stage our position in the league does not really matter. What is important are the valuable three points and that we should start winning," he stressed.
Rahman said that for the match Tuesday he hopes his charges will play more aggressively and score early goals.
"Scoring an early goal should help us in maintaining the tempo of the game and stay defensive and try to create other chances to add an extra goal," he added.
"It would not be an easy game for us when we play against Johor PG but we will be giving our best and hopefully luck will be on our side tomorrow night," said Rahman.
"But whatever the situation we are in, I am upbeat that we will earn all three points from the match.
"We will win the crucial points no matter what it takes," he said, adding the reason is that "We have homeground advantage so it is impossible if we fail to win points."
"I have urged the Rhinos to play extra hard and showcase their true strengths.
"I want them (the players) to play like they played in the Malaysia Cup. All of them have showcased tremendous teamwork and individual performance," he added.
He said that coach Drago Mamic has prepared a plan and strategy for the team. He further added that, he hopes to see fans come and help cheer for the state squad.
"The fans full support will further boost the players morale and spirit," he added.
Sabah's probable line-up are: Ronny Harun, Jeevanathan A/L Gunasekaran (GK), Burhan Ajui, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Henry Parsi and Bobby Gonzales.
