New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors are on a tricky trip to the Southern State of Johor, facing Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School in a President’s Cup Group A challenge at the Kejora Mini Stadium in Kota Tinggi today.
But luckily for the high flying State side, they will be playing without any pressure having already sealed their place in the quarter-finals.
Nevertheless, Juil Nuatim warned his charges from taking the tie lightly before insisting that they must maintain their winning momentum.
The Sabah team manager added that they mustn’t take any game for granted whether they have already qualified or otherwise.
“We must not think that since we have already qualified, we can take it easy. That is negative thinking, and we must not practice it. Tomorrow (today) I’m expecting the team to give their best and get the result,” he said.
Furthermore, Juil pointed out he wants to see the team conclude their group challenge top of the standings.
He recalled that last season, they came close to achieving the feat but a lapse of concentration towards the end of the Group B fixtures (last year) forced the team to settle for second best.
“This time we want to finish on top. We are nearly at the end and we are in a good position to do it.
Although we are second in the group at the moment, but we have a game in hand, so the top spot is ours to grab.
“All we have to do now is maintain our winning ways and we will be there,” said Juil.
“We have met them in the first round, and they are a young and energetic side,” he said of the national Under-16 side.
“Like in our first meeting, we have to give our best to get the result,” said Juil.
Their first meeting saw Sabahawks Juniors blank the Sports School 2-0.
Sabahawks Juniors will be without Super League striker Leopold Alfonso Otong for the clash due to suspension, so as for Zul Mansshah Aling, who will be sitting a two-match suspension after collecting his sixth yellow card of the season in their slim 1-0 win over Johor MBJB last week.
Despite that, head coach, Johnny Dominicus said he would still be fielding a strong line-up to ensure the team walk away with the points.
He said several key players will miss the match due to suspension but the ability of the rest of the squad has his confidence soaring for another glorious outing away from home.
“Our aim is to return with all three points and I have faith that our fighting spirit will help get us through,” said Johnny.
Sabahawks Juniors are sitting closely in second in the 13-team standings with 54 points from 17 wins, three draws and one defeat.
Kedah too are on 54 points, but they have a superior goal difference and also played a game more than Sabahawks Juniors.
Third placed KL Sime Darby have 51 points, and also played one game more than Sabah.
