New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabahawks Juniors are determined to keep their winning momentum going when they take on Kuala Lumpur at the Maybank Sports Complex field in Bangi today.
A win (today) will not only provide them the opportunity to improve their position, but will also help them edge closer to the top eight and a place in the quarter-finals.
They are currently in tenth in the 18-team standings on 31 points from seven wins, 10 draws and five defeats.
That leaves them two points adrift of Penang, who occupy the last spot for the quarter-finals, while Tunku Mahkota Sports School of Johor are only a point above them (Sabahawks Juniors).
With Penang facing a difficult trip to Terengganu, and both Sabahawks Juniors and SSTMI facing weaker opponents, they stand a good chance of improving their positions and unseating the Islanders from the eighth spot.
Sabahawks’ opponent is currently languishing second from bottom in the standings with 12 points from two wins, six draws and 14 defeats while SSTMI take on Police, who are sitting 14th in the standings.
However, defeat could see the Sabahawks Juniors drop to 11th should Negeri Sembilan win their home battle against Selangor.
“We will go there with only one intention and that is to win,” said team manager Datuk Juil Nuatim when contacted yesterday.
“The boys know what situation we are in, and they also know only victory will help our cause of wanting to make it into the last eight.
“I believe if they put the same kind of determination, spirit and commitment in the 3-2 home win against Kedah last Thursday, I’m quite confident of getting a desirable result,” Juil added.
“The spirit in the team is high, each and every one of them are determined to do a good job today,” stressed Juil.
Sabahawks Juniors will be without its head coach Justin Ganai for the clash, as he needs to attend to family matters.
Assistant coach Burhan Ajui will lead the team and is likely to stick to the winning side against Kedah.
“If there is any chance to the first team, it will be a minor one. Our keeper Endre S. Tipay is the only player doubtful for the clash after aggravating injury during training. I will have to wait until the last minute before deciding either to start him or Frinly Mosiong,” said Burhan.
The rest, Burhan said will be the same side with Rawilson Batiul, Shazree Ruhif Ismail, Dendy Lowa and Dinison Matthew will be the four-man defence while Sabri Sahar, Jenius Karib, Umareng Bacok and Anwari Md Tajuddin will main the midfield department with Rexjeson Pitirus and Eyo Matthew leading the attack.
