‘Never easy against Kelantan’

New Sabah Times

DIDIE … scored the equaliser against Melaka.

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks Junior are on the road for the first time this season and are hoping to return home with a ‘smile’ from the Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu. “This is not going to be an easy outing for us. It has never been easy taking on Kelantan, especially at their home turf, but I’m optimistic we can get something out from this game,” said Justin Ganai.

 The Sabahawks Junior Head Coach has every reason for being a little ambitious in this tie after seeing his side dropping points at home in the opener against Melaka last week. They were held to a one-all draw. But Justin will keep his faith on the same first 11 that featured against Melaka.

 “We are bringing the same first 18 players for this trip. It is mostly that I will be using the same first team as well. We will be counting on their experience to get the three points,” said Justin when revealing their plan of going for the three points, or the very least a point. “However, I still need to see how thing goes during our training later in the evening (yesterday) before I finalized my first team,” he added.

 Against Melaka, Justin played Zul Mansshah Aling and Rexjeson Pitirus in the attack while Didie Arizal Ibrahim, who scored against Melaka, will play in the heart of the midfield together with Sabri Sahar, both based with the senior side. Umareng Bacok will be on the left of midfield while Anwari Md Tajuddin on the right.

 The coach’s four men defence comprises; Shazree Ruhif Ismail, skipper Dendy Lowa, Rawilson Batiul and Jenius Karib while Endre S. Tipay, who was brilliant against Melaka will remain as the No 1 ball stopper. Frinly Mosiong, Eyo Matthew, Hafizan Jahar, Fread Filemon Saih, Mohd Alfian Jamil, Hafizal Jinik and Gerald S. Mojikon also make the trip to Kota Bharu.