Real test awaits Sabah Rhinos

By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my

NNAKE … is set to spearhead Sabah Rhinos attack against KL Felda United FC tonight.

 KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Rhinos will be put to the real test when they take on KL Felda United FC at the Tawau Sports Complex field tonight. The Safa Tawau Invitational Tournament’s last match will kick off at 8pm. Sabah Rhinos head coach Vjeran Simunic will surely parade what is likely to be his first- team players for the clash.

 After all, this will be his best opportunity to see the team’s true strength ahead of their Premier League opener against UiTM FC on February 12. All this while, the state side have been playing against local clubs, and have been emerging victorious, including the 3-0 win over Juta FC of Tenom prior to their arrival in Tawau on Thursday.

 They registered a 2-0 win over the Brunei Under-23 team in the tournament’s opener on Friday with Brazilian midfielder Marco Tulio Lopes netting the opener from the spot while Alto Linus added the second after the break. But against KL Felda United FC, it is going to be a different ball game for Simunic and his boys as the Super League side have enough experience to do the damage.

 They will have the services of several national or ex national players in their squad. Sabah-born striker Bobby Gonzales will also be there taking on his home state. And Simunic is likely to stick to the same squad that downed Brunei with Fadzley Rahim being his No. 1 ball stopper while his back four will comprise Julamri Muhammad, Rawilson Batuil, Igor Cerina and Alto Linus.

 In the midfield, he will play Leopold Alfonso Otong and Maxsius Musa on either the left or right side of midfield, while Dedi Kusnandar, Radzi Hussin and Marco will be at the heart of midfield with Nigerian Prince Tochukwu Nnake being the lone striker in his expected 4-3-2-1 attacking formation.