KOTA KINABALU: Sabah are determined to spoil Police’s celebrations when they meet in a postponed Premier League first round tie at the MPS Stadium in Selayang tonight.
The newly crowned Premier League 2006/2007 season champions will be receiving their trophy tonight, but Sabah will give everything they’ve got in their arsenal.
Rahman Zakaria said that there is no reason for them to take the match lightly, especially when they are still in the fight to finish third in the League.
“We will try to win the game and if we do, our chances of finishing third will be bright,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.
“We know it is going to be a tough game despite the fact that Police have won the crown, but then again, I’m sure they would want to win this tie, especially on this special day for them.
“On our part, I can assure you that we will parade the best 11 we can and will give the best we can.
Sabah have a good record at the venue where they have won twice – 2-0 second round of the League and 4-3 in the Malaysia Cup challenge.
The only time Sabah lost to their opponents this season was in the second round of the League challenge where Sabah went down 2-1 at the Likas Stadium.
The only drawback for Sabah ahead of tonight’s clash is that they will be without two of their promising youngsters in goalkeeper Irwan Jamil and utility player Hardy Charles Parsi.
The duo are currently with the national Under-21 side playing friendly matches in Bangkok.
Sabah will also be without two of its imports – Prince Etuwe Eboagwa and Prince Ativie Guy, whose contracts have been terminated.
Rahman hinted that the rest of the players are fit for action.
