New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Justin Ganai wants his goal-shy squad to stand up and show their true colours, especially in front of goal, when they take on Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School of Johor in a President’s Cup tie at the Likas Stadium today.
He said they have to be at their best against an energetic side like Sports School.
“Their players are the cream of the crop that we have in the nation, and obviously, they must be a decent side. Although in terms of age, they are much younger, but they are here (in the league) not just to make up the numbers,” the Sabahawks Juniors head coach said.
“We have to go all out and try to overcome the challenge. This is not going to be easy, but if we can give our best, our chances of registering a positive result is looking good.
Justin said their 1-0 away victory over Armed Forces on Thursday has lifted the spirit in the team.
“I hope this victory could provide the springboard for us to achieve greater results ahead. It may be a slim win, but at least it could help lift the spirit in the team. It is not easy to have gone without a win in seven matches, and fortunately we managed to stop the rot in our last game,” he added.
Justin is not questioning the team’s work ethic or their desire to put in a full shift, but admitted that they are in desperate need of some flashes of inspiration in front of goal.
“Our scoring record is far from convincing, and I admitted that this is our main problem at the moment. We need to be more clinical in front of goal, and if we want to win against Sports School, there is no other way to do it, but to score.
For the record, the Sabahawks Junior have only managed to score 10 goals from 14 games and conceded 10.
But, Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School scoring record too is also far from impressive, as they merely managed to score three more than Sabahawks Juniors.
Today, Justin will welcome back striker Zul Mansshah from suspension while his two other strikers Rexjeson Pitirus and Mohd Alfian Jamil are both doubtful starters due to injuries.
And that left Justin with limited option, with only Zul Mansshah and Eyo Mathew for option should both Rexjeson and Mohd Alfian failed a late fitness test.
Sabahawks Juniors are currently in 10 in the 18-team standings in 19 points from four wins, seven draws and three defeats while Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School are in sixth on 23 points from seven wins, two draws and five defeats.
