KOTA KINABALU: Juil Nuatim has warned his high flying charges not to take their feet off the gas when they resume their President’s Cup challenge at the Likas Stadium today.
The State Under-21 squad were on a sensational streak in the first round by concluding their challenge with an unbeaten record after registering 10 victories and two draws en route.
Today, they would resume their second round challenge by taking on Police in a Group A tie, with Juil reminding his players not to take their feet off the pedal, as he wants them to keep their perfect home run intact.
“We had a good first round campaign. We won all our six home matches. We also won four out of our six away ties, and another two matches ended in draws. This is a difficult thing to do, but we did it, which we are proud off,” the Sabah team manager said.
“But we are only in the group stage of the league, and I believe the second round is going to be a lot tougher as most teams have already gelled together, so we need to be ready for the challenge.
“The hard work must continue, because nothing is over until we achieve our goals,” Juil added, while hoping the players would stay positive and focus on their remaining challenges.
He said that the mood in the squad is good and it seems that they are pretty much looking forward to kick start their second round campaign with a win.
In the first round, Sabah edged Police 1-0 on the road with midfielder Maxsius Musa netting the solitary goal.
“I really hope the players will do a good job and get our winning run going on home turf,” said Juil.
“I’m optimistic of getting the result. The coaching staff such as our head coach Johnny Dominicus as well as Burhan Ajui, Matasan Ahmad and Awal Taham have done a good job. I also hope they will continue to work closely together in getting the team moving forward.
On the other hand, Johnny is also convinced his charges will give their best shot in the game despite facing a side that is placed 10th in the 13-team standings.
“During the 10-day break, we have done a lot. We also played friendly matches, and I’m expecting them to put up a better show.
“The target is to try and win, and I believe that if we play to our true strength, then we will get what we are aiming for,” said Johnny.
On his starting line-up, Johnny said that he is unlikely to make any major changes to his first team apart from tinkering on a replacement for Umareng Bacok at the centre of midfield.
He said Umareng will be serving his one-match automatic suspension after collecting his third yellow card in their last game.
He also hinted that midfielder Sabri Sahar has fully recovered from an ankle injury, and is likely to get straight back into the first team.
Johnny said first-choice keeper Endre S. Tipay, who has been brilliant, is doubtful for the clash, as he is having a fever.
“I will have to wait and see his development, and would decide on his position tomorrow (today) morning,” said Johnny.
Sabah will go into the tie sitting pretty at the top of the standings on 32 points, six ahead of their closest rivals, KL Sime Darby, in second on 26 points. Third placed Terengganu’s T-Team is in third on 25.
The Sabah-Police tie kicks off at 4.15pm.
