Sabah Rhinos could land Kim Swee

New Sabah Times

pic sources: obsesbola.blogspot.com, www.sinarharian.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: As manager George O’Callaghan seems to be walking towards the exit door, speculations are rife that the Sabah Rhinos are currently eyeing a high-profile name to lead the team for the new season. O’Callaghan has not been seen with the team for days now which suggested that his days are numbered with the Sabah Rhinos.

 On Tuesday, Sabah Rhinos CEO Datuk Seri TC Goh even insisted that ‘as of now head coach Justin Ganai is taking charge of the team’. He said this when asked on whether they are looking or planning to look for a new manager or head coach. And this is a clear indication that they are set to part ways with O’Callaghan.

 However, Goh refused to be drawn into the future of the Irishman in the team, merely saying that the full and final list of the team, including officials, will only be announced on January 17 during the launching of the team cum signing ceremony with the team’s sponsors, which will be held at a local hotel here with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who is the Sabah FA President, expected to grace the function.

 With O’Callaghan’s position uncertain, rumours have it that Sabah Rhinos are trying to lure big names, which include Harimau Muda Head Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, to lead the team or at least assist Justin to realise Sabah Rhinos ultimate goal of gaining Super League promotion.

 It is an open secret that Ong, 44, who once donned Sabah colours in the mid-90s and was part of the team that won the national top league in 1996 then known as the Premier League title (now the Super League), was seen in Kuching when Sabah Rhinos played Sarawak in a friendly on Sunday. But Goh denied that they have made any approach towards Ong despite the fact that he was seated on the front row with Ong during the game where Sabah Rhinos went down 1-2.

 And he has every reason not to disclose his action, as Ong is still under contract with the FA of Malaysia, and believed to end late this year. Ong is certainly the local fans’ favourite should Sabah Rhinos part ways with O’Callaghan. But New Sabah Times Sports believed that Ong is not the only man that is under the Sabah Rhinos’ radar. Former national coach Datuk K. Rajagopal is also available, so as former Kedah coach Mohd Azraai Khor.