New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks Junior has been urged to stay focus and get their winning momentum going in the President’s Cup challenge 2013.
They take on Police on the road at the Malaysian Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) main field at Jalan Semarak in the national capital today, which will be their third away fixture this season.
Their previous two away outings ended in one victory (1-0 over Kelantan) and a draw (two-all against Kedah). Today, Datuk Juil Nuatim is expecting a point the very least.
He said they must try to pick up as many points, whether it is a home battle or away.
“We have had quite a slow start to our season. We drew with Melaka in the opener at home, and won against Kelantan before we lost to Perak (0-2).
Then held Kedah, followed by our first home against Kuala Lumpur (2-1) in our last game,” the Sabah team manager said.
“So now I hope the players can start to show some consistency in producing the results. So today, we will try to go and get the three points, which would help improve our position in the standings,” he added.
Juil also confirmed that his side will be bolstered by the returned of skipper Dendy Lowa and midfielder Didie Arizal Ibrahim.
Both players were part of the senior side and made a great fightback in the three-all draw against Police in a Premier League tie on Friday.
“After the Police game, they stayed back, and has joined our squad. It is good to see them around because as evidence in our game against Kuala Lumpur we were a little bit messy in the middle of the park.
“So, I believe we look better with them around, that makes me optimistic of a good positive result tomorrow (today),” Juil said.
According to Juil the rest of the players are also available for option except for Zul Mansshah Aling, who scored a brace against Kuala Lumpur, and Sabri Sahar.
Zul Mansshah is sitting out the Police clash after getting his third yellow card in his last game while Sabri is yet to fully recover from a muscle strain.
Juil said head coach Justin Ganai will also be around.
“He wasn’t around against Kuala Lumpur as he was attending a one-week refresher course for coaches, but tomorrow, he will be with us,” said Juil.
Sabahawks Junior is currently eighth in the 18-team standings on eight points while Police 10th with six points in their bag.
