KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos will not throw away whatever chances there are left for them to gain promotion to the Super League next season.
Rahman Zakaria said football is a funny old game and that anything can happen.
“There are another four matches to go, and nothing is over until the last game of the season,” the Rhinos’ team manager said ahead of their date with Johor Pasir Gudang at the Dato’ Hassan Yunus Stadium in Larkin tonight.
“We cannot put too much hope on gaining promotion, but it is important for us to do our part by trying to win our remaining matches … because you will never know.
Even if the Rhinos win all their remaining matches, it will still not be good enough for them to clinch one of the two promotion slots.
Police are only one point away from securing a place in the Super League next season as they are leading the 11-team Premier League standings on 37 points, followed by UPB-MyTEAM in second on 32.
Selangor PKNS occupy the third spot on 26 points, while Sabah who have a one-game advantage over the club side, are one point behind in fourth.
But Rahman said there is nothing to lose if they continue to soldier on with their fight – whether they make it or otherwise.
“I would like to reiterate that what matters most now is we win our remaining matches – only then will we look at other results, and whether we will make it is secondary as long as we have tried our best.
“Here I call on the players to give their fullest concentration on our remaining games and to try to give their level best in those games,” Rahman said.
On the match against Johor PG, Rahman said that it will be like any other game and that they have to play their hearts out in order to win the tie.
“It will not be an easy game, but as long as we can give our best, I’m convinced winning is something that we are capable of.
Sabah were shown the exit door by Perlis in a FA Cup quarter-final last week, but Rahman insisted that the FA Cup defeat will not demoralise the team.
“Spirit is still pretty much high in the team and I believe that the team is in the right frame of mind for the clash tomorrow,” said Rahman, who hinted that they will be at full strength to face Johor PG.
