By FRANCIS XAVIER Francis@newsabahtimes.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Yassin Aman wants his young side to give their best shot when they kick start their Youth Cup challenge by taking on Negeri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi today.
The State Under-19 team manager said it is important for them to play their own game rather than to start worrying about their unknown opponent.
“Although we will not set any specific target, but our intention is clear and that we want them to play their hearts out. We want them to give their all, by doing so our chances of getting a desirable result will be brighter,” Yassin said when met at the team’s last training at the synthetic pitch in Likas here on Friday.
“Like any other teams, of course our intention is to win the battle. But for that to happen, we need to play to our best ability and wholeheartedly,” he added.
Yassin leaves it to his coaching staff headed by Jelius Ating to plot a winning formula.
“They have done a great job. I hope they will continue to nurture and groom our young players to their best abilities.
Jelius is assisted by Awang Sabtu Jamil while Jasrih Jabidin is the goalkeeper coach.
“Our preparations have been going smoothly, and I hope it will be enough to get us to a good start to our campaign.
Meanwhile, Jelius, like his manager, is also hoping for a good start.
“We must go there with one intention, and that is to try to win,” said Jelius as his urged his young side to believe in their own capabilities.
“You are the chosen one. You are the best in Sabah in your age group. So you have to prove that on the battlefield,” he added.
Jelius named an 18-member squad for the trip.
He also revealed his first team players by naming Mazlan Norli as his first choice custodian, Prosper George and Ranilson Batuil, the younger brother of Sabah Rhinos defender, will play as centreback with Jenius Karib on the left and Kelvin Pengiran on the right.
Ranilson has also been named as the team captain and will be deputised by Mohd Aidil Shahrolmizan Asimin, who will be at the heart of the team’s engine room alongside Mohd Aidil Safee. Stanley Sulong will be at right while Leonardo Lisua on the left.
His two-men strikers are Arius Jais and Hamran Peter. Mohd Azren Lamdin, Mohd Suzairee Samail, Mac Drint Manus, Mohamad Ramzainie Ramlee, Evan Wensley Wenceslaus and Izan Rifaa Sasari are also making the trip.
