KOTA KINABALU: The high flying Sabahawks Junior is determined to conclude their first round campaign with an unbeaten record in the President’s Cup challenge.
The Sabahawks Junior take on lowly Police in a Group A tie at the Police Training Centre main field at Jalan Semarak today.
And team manager Juil Nuatim is calling on his charges to go all out in search for another victory on the road.
Juil said he is confident of nicking away all three points from the late afternoon clash, which will be their last first round fixture.
“Our aim is to go there and try to win the game. It will be great if we can do that because it will help us conclude our first round challenge with an unbeaten record,” said Juil when contacted yesterday.
“So I guess that will be a good motivational factor for us to go all out and get the result,” he added.
Sabahawks Junior currently occupy the top spot in the 13-team standings with 29 points in their bag from nine wins and two draws.
Police, on the other hand are 21 points behind and in tenth. They suffered 10 defeats, won twice and drew twice.
But Juil was quick to remind his charges from taking their opponent lightly.
“If we want to achieve our goal, there is no reason for us to underestimate our opponents. In our last away tie, we were given a tough fight by Penang SDM who are currently languishing at the bottom of the table.
“So, I still expect this tie against Police is going to be a tough one for the boys. I hope, they will go there and play wholeheartedly like usual. If they can do that, I’m convinced the very least that we could do is nick a point from the tie.
Juil also said that they thought of calling Super League-based player Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman to beef up their side but abandon that because the latter (Rozaimi) played for the senior against Terengganu on Saturday and has tired legs.
Juil added that another Super League-based player, Leopold Alfonso Otong will be part of the squad for the Police’s clash but left it to the head coach Johnny Dominicus whether to include him or not for first team action.
“Leopold will be part of our team for the game, but I don’t know whether he will make the first team or otherwise because it will be up to our head coach to decide on that.
“Nevertheless, his presence will at least give us more options in attack.”
He also revealed that midfielder Sabri Sahar, who has recuperated from an ankle injury, is not part of the travelling team.
“Sabri has recovered from his injury, but since this is our last first round tie, I want him to have more rest. After this clash, we have 10 days of break, and during that time I will have a good look at him, and if he is 100 per cent okay, then I will consider him for our second round opener, which is also be against Police,” said Johnny.
Meanwhile, Johnny said he is still tinkering on whether to stick to his winning side that defeated T-Team 3-0 in their last home game.
“That was our best performances thus far this season, and I’m still thinking if whether to stick to the winning side or bring in Leopold. Eyo (Matthew) scored twice against T-Team, and I don’t know whether to play him or Leopold,” said Johnny.
