KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be gunning for a hat-trick of victories when they take on Shahzan Muda in a Premier League tie at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan tonight.
The Rhinos will go into the game brimming with confidence following their back-to-back victories over Felda United FC and Melaka respectively.
Tonight the Rhinos are hoping to register their third consecutive victory … a feat they have not achieved thus far this season.
“I really hope to see them maintain the winning momentum, and based on what I have seen in training, things look pretty positive and I firmly believe that a victory is within reach,” said Rahman Zakaria.
“Now it is important for them to stay focused and concentrate on what they are doing on the battlefield.
“They also have to instill the teamwork spirit in the game and as long as they play as a team, I’m very sure they will be rewarded at the end of the day,” the Rhinos’ team manager added.
“I always believe that we have a good set of players, be it locals or foreigners.
“They also have to have the self-belief that they can do well in the competition. Although we are trailing the top teams in terms of points, but the season is not even at its halfway mark and there is always a chance for us to improve our position in the standings.
“I want them to realise that we are still pretty much in the race for honours or promotion to the Super League. But now it is important for us not to slip points away. A draw will not be the right answer to our quest. So I would like to remind the players that only a victory will do the team any good.
“Although it may sound a tall order, but whether they like it or not … the fact is we need to maintain our winning momentum,” said Rahman.
For tonight’s clash, the Rhinos will still be without their injured skipper Rosdin Wasli. The speedy Azrul Ejati Damsah also missed the trip to Kuantan, also due to injury.
However, Sabah’s three foreign signings in defender Dragic Dalibor of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Englishman Jamie Phoenix and Brazilian striker Andre Scotti Ossemer will be there to spearhead the team’s challenge.
Andre has found the net since signing for the Rhinos late last month. He has netted three goals since his debut for the team against Felda United FC. He scored a brace in his debut match and scored once in his second match.
As long as he keeps on scoring for the team … then the Rhinos can surely expect another victory tonight.
