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| WELCOME ABOARD … Joh, (right), unveils his new striker, Picak, yesterday. |
Razali, who labelled his side as ‘very poor’ in their first meeting, is determined to turn the table on the young Harimau Muda C, a back-up squad to the Harimau Muda B, currently featuring in the S-League (Singapore). “This time around, we are going to be more ready,” said Razali when contacted yesterday. “Last week, we were a depleted side, missing several key players, but tomorrow (today), I will have most my top players back, who will boost the team,” he added.
“With that in mind, we will be a different side this time. In fact, I’m planning to retain four players that started in our last game, including goal-scorer Rempitt (Mohd Arifyanshah Jafar). “We not only want to make amends, but we are determined to start our second round campaign on a winning note,” the former State footballer said, adding that his charges are all spirited to avenge their first round defeat.
However, Razali revealed that he will still be without his two most experienced players in captain Md Reithudin Ag Emran and Billyton Vun Ket Ming. “I believe in the team that I picked for the game and I hope that they would give it their best in search of a win.” Meanwhile, club president Mohd Joh Wid revealed that they have signed striker Mohd Noorazam Syah or fondly known as Picak among friends, to beef up their lightweight attack during the current transfer window.
“He was Tawau Selection’s leading striker when they defeated our State team 2-0 and drew 3-all during the last pre-season. “This signing, we hope will help solve our goal drought in the competition,” said Joh, while hinting that Picak is likely to be part of the team against Harimau Muda C today. Today, Razali is expected to name Shairul Boidi to start in between the posts while his four-man defence would comprise Adnan Arman, Mohd Sifihi Yusof, Mohd Nazrien Sani and Mohd Shapawi Maiddin.
Former President Cupper Arifyanshah will be the main man in midfield where he will be supported by Gerd Smith Chin Chiu, Mohd Nizam Jefferi and Zain Ambarog. Rainol Masaat, who was rested last week, will return to lead the attack where he will have either Mohd Arif Awang or Picak as his partner. For the record, after the conclusion of the first round, Cebagoo are seventh in the 11-team standings on 11 points after three wins, two draws and five losses. Harimau Muda C are third on 18 points with seven wins, two draws and one defeat.
