New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Andrew Majanggim believes that the ailing Sabah have slowly started to regain their confidence.
He said this was evident in their last two games against Kelantan and Kedah respectively.
Andrew, who is put in charge of the team following the removal of head coach Justin Ganai last Monday, added that if this continues, their chances of winning their relegation battle will be bright.
“Against Kelantan, the players showed some improvement and looked positive in their action. Last night (on Tuesday), again they showed some improvement, which is very good and we hope this will continue,” said Andrew yesterday.
“It is not easy to recover from five consecutive defeats, especially with five or six of your key players, who are either on the crocked list or suspended.
“Although we lost 0-2 against Kelantan, but you can see some positive things within the players and the team, especially from the aspect of wanting to win the game.
Andrew was also happy to see the efforts put up by his young chargers in Razid Gapar and Zul Mansshah Aling.
“They have done well. They did exactly what we have asked them to do, and I’m happy with their commitment.
“As you can see, they played their hearts out throughout the game,” he said.
In the last two games, Andrew said what delighted him most was that the players worked as a team, particularly against Kedah.
“It was a collective effort. They worked hard as a team, and there was not too much on individual displays.
Against Kedah, Juffry Omopor scored the solitary goal of the night after finishing off a cross from Shahrudin Yakup to eventually help them end the rot.
Andrew hopes the victory over Kedah will be just the right tonic for their next tie at home to Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
He hinted that for the Kuala Lumpur clash, he is likely to make a minor reshuffle due to injury.
“Shahrudin is likely to start in place of Shahrul (Azhar Ture).
Shahrul has a slight groin problem, and we will not gamble on him.
“At the same time, Brendan (Gan), is also likely to start after missing the last two games,” said Andrew, adding that the rest of the players are likely to be retained.
For the record, Sabah is currently in 12th in the 14-team standings on 22 points, one point ahead of Kedah, who are occupying one of the two relegation spots.
With their other rivals facing tough opponents on Saturday, a win over Kuala Lumpur could see them move to 11th spot at best.
For the record, on Saturday, 11th placed Felda United, who are on 23 points, have a tricky away tie to T-Team while ninth placed Selangor PKNS (25 points) will take on Negeri Sembilan at home.
As for 10th placed Johor FC (25 points) they will be away to Sarawak.
As for Kedah, they will have a tough home game against Terengganu.
