New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: Sabahawks Juniors have been urged to go all out and get all the three points when they take on Kedah in a President’s Cup tie at the Likas Stadium today (4.15pm kick-off time).
Team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim said there is no room for any slip-ups if they harbour hope to make a top-eight finish, which would earn them a place in the quarter-finals.
“At the moment, we are not in a good position, but I believe that our chances of making the top eight is still wide open provided we do our job well in our remaining matches.
“This tie against Kedah is a crucial one for us. A draw would not be enough not to mention a defeat … there is only one option and that is to win.
“Anything less than three points will see us drifting further in the standings, and we don’t want to be in that situation,” Juil said when contacted yesterday.
“There are 13 matches to play including the Kedah game and we must pick up as many points as possible and hopefully it will be enough to put us in the top eight,” he added.
Juil also said that the issue of which players start the game should not arise since almost all have seen league action this season.
“What’s important is for the players to be confident and strong in their mentality … they must follow the coach’s instructions for the game. I believe we have a strong squad that has the ability to beat any team if they show their true colours … I hope to see that tomorrow (today),” he added.
For the record, the first round meeting between the sides ended 2-2 where Sabri Sahar and Hafizan Jahar scored for Sabah.
The goal-shy Sabahawks Juniors are currently 11th in the 18-team standings on 28 points from six wins, 10 draws and five defeats.
Kedah are sitting in sixth on 35 points from 10 wins, five draws and six defeats.
