New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: David McCreery is seeking total commitment from his charges when they resume their Premier League challenge by taking on UiTM FC on the road today.
The Sabah head coach knows only too well that returning home empty handed from the tie at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam will court more trouble to his struggling side that is yet pick up points away from home thus far.
And there is no better opportunity than this for them to break their away jinx, by playing against a side that is rooted at the bottom of the 12-team standings with no points to show and is yet to score a single goal after five matches into the season.
Failing to get anything from the tie will make it difficult for us to expect anything more from our State side.
They are currently seventh on six points from a possible 15 from two home wins over KL SPA Putrajaya FC and NS Betaria, losing three times to KL Sime Darby, Kuala Lumpur (both away) and Kedah respectively.
“We travelled here a day earlier so that the players would have enough rest. It will be up to them to get back after the Selangor match (FA Cup),” said McCreery, referring to their 0-3 loss at home on Tuesday.
“They have to be committed and must show a positive attitude throughout the game,” he added.
On their chances, he said: “It all depends on how they (players) approach the game. It is not about the opponent, it is about how committed we are and what kind of attitude we bring to the field.”
McCreery also hinted on making several changes to the side that was trounced by Selangor.
“Changes are going to be made on our first team, but I have yet to finalise the first team. We will see how things go in our light training before I make up my mind,” he said.
Both Rhys David Weston and Zainizam Marjan are both doubtful for the clash while Shahrudin Yakup and Shahrul Azhar Ture are certain to miss the game due to injury and suspension respectively.
