New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Juil Nuatim has reminded his charges not to get carried away with their fine run in the ongoing President’s Cup Group A challenge 2012.
The Sabah team manager said the journey to glory is still far away and that they have to be on their feet all the time.
“The good work must continue, so as producing the results,” Juil said, ahead of their home clash against Johor Bahru Municipal Council at the Likas Stadium today at 4.15pm.
Sabah will go into their eighth match of the season occupying the top spot in the 13-team standings on 17 points from five wins and two draws.
On today’s tie, Juil said he is expecting the team to maintain their winning run at home despite not having the Super League duo – Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman and Leopold Alfonso Otong.
Both Rozaimi and Leopold will not be part of the squad as they are with the senior side, who is preparing for their Super League home tie against Johor FC on Saturday.
“We have to keep the momentum going with or without them (Rozaimi and Leopold),” Juil said.
“We know their absence is going to be felt, but that is not an excuse for not getting the result because we knew all along that they will not always be with us.
“So I hope the players realise this and that they have to fight their own battles at times,” he added.
Juil also said that he was happy to see the spirit in the camp is pretty much encouraging.
“I met the players this morning, and the environment is pretty good. They seem to be spirited and ready to maintain our unbeaten record.
“As the league leaders, we know that we are the team that most teams want to beat, but I believe our coaching staff led by Johnny Dominicus, Burhan Ajui, Matasan Ahmad and Awal Taham, have something up their sleeves to keep the fine run going.
“From now, nothing is going to be easy, because by now, most teams have settled down. On our part, we have to continue with the hard work and try to improve every day.
“Tomorrow (today) I’m expecting the team to give their best shot in the game,” Juil said.
With the exception of Rozaimi and Leopold, the rest of the players are available for options, including Sabri Sahar, who has recuperated from injury, and striker Zul Mansshah Aling, who is back from a one-match suspension.
Juil said that with the available players he is confident they will do a good job today and maintain their unbeaten run.
Furthermore, he added, they will have slight homeground advantage to get the better of their opponents.
For the record, Sabah won all their previous three home matches, defeating Johor 2-1 in the opener, followed by the 2-1 victory over Kedah and Johor Melody Jaya 2-0.
