KOTA KINABALU: The unstoppable Sabahawks Junior are set to register their ninth consecutive home win when they take on Bukit Jalil Sports School in the President’s Cup Group A tie at the Likas Stadium today.
The Sabahawks Junior are currently enjoying a perfect home record after winning their last eight encounters with the latest a 4-0 victory over Melaka last Thursday. They are also the only side that remain unbeaten and have spent most of the season at the top of the 13-team standings.
They will go into battle comfortably occupying the top spot on 41 points from 13 wins and two draws.
But despite their superb run, Juil Nuatim has cautioned his charges from taking the Bukit Jalil Sports School lightly and the Sabah team manager has every reason to be concerned as he knows all too well that complacency can ruin Sabahawks Junior’s day.
Furthermore, Bukit Jalil Sports School are one of only two sides that managed to hold them to a draw, the other team being KL Sime Darby.
“Like usual, we must give our best and try to win the tie. We have a slight home ground advantage and we must capitalise on it,” said Juil.
Sabahawks Junior drew one-all in their first round meeting with Bukit Jalil Sports School.
“They are young and energetic side and I believe they come here to get the points.
“But as long as the players can play to their true abilities and show the kind of spirit and determination as they have shown in our previous games, I’m quite confident we will be able to overcome them,” said Juil.
“Our coaching staff led by our head coach Johnny Dominicus has done a good job, and I’m sure they already have something up their sleeves on how to tackle their opponent.
First choice custodian, Endre S. Tipay, who was rested against Melaka is still sidelined after a freak incident during yesterday’s training at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex field B where he received four stitches on his left foot.
Johnny is still tinkering on whether to retain Labuan-born Nikyus Saiddatul or name Robson Rendy as his ball stopper.
In the defence, there is unlikely to be any chances with both Dendy Lowa and skipper Didie Arizal Ibrahim to be maintained as centre backs while Razid Gapar at the right back and Denisi Mekkhdan on the left.
In the midfield, Sabri Sahar will also likely to be retained and is expected to play alongside Aldrine Agus in the middle of the part with Jetko Romedius and Maxsius Musa playing wide of midfield.
In the attack, Zackkalani Antanom will pair Eyo Matthew, unless Super League based striker Leopold Alfonso Otong is part of the team, then Eyo will start from the bench.
