The Borneo Post (Sabah)
By Lester J. Bingkasan
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's under-19 squad preparation for the Youth Cup league 2018 is progressing well.
Head coach Mohd Aiyyman Johny Abdullah said he has been impressed and encouraged with the determination and positive attitude shown by the players since training started just over a week ago.
"We are in the process of forming a formidable squad for the upcoming season and we hope to find the 18 main players...it is not an easy task.
"This is because the young footballers that we have now are very good. They are very committed (in training) in order to fight for their places in the team.
"It is a competition among themselves.
A healthy competition that I believe will not only help them improve as a footballer individually but more importantly it would benefit the team as a whole.
"The team is progressing well," said former state senior team defender when contacted here yesterday.
Having said that, Aiyyman revealed the team need to play friendly matches to further enhance their preparation for the new season.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Mafry returns to Rhinos fold
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association brought early ‘Christmas Cheer’ to 14 state footballers, including Mafry Balang, after handing them with one-year undisclosed deals. The 14 put pen to paper in a simple ceremony held at the FA’s meeting room in Maksak Hall, Likas, near here yesterday.
Sipitang-born Mafry, a defender, who could also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, is seen as the most notable signing. The 33-year-old, who last played for Sabah in 2012, donned Penang colours the last three seasons. He is among the seven new faces that have been signed to beef up the team ahead of the new season.
The FA also snapped up Labuan-born striker Mazlan Yahya, who played for Selangor PKNS this year, while former KDMM FC midfielder Melky Balang will also be under the payroll of the FA for the new season. Elias Sulaiman from Penang is another player being brought in to strengthen the state squad.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Football Association brought early ‘Christmas Cheer’ to 14 state footballers, including Mafry Balang, after handing them with one-year undisclosed deals. The 14 put pen to paper in a simple ceremony held at the FA’s meeting room in Maksak Hall, Likas, near here yesterday.
Sipitang-born Mafry, a defender, who could also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, is seen as the most notable signing. The 33-year-old, who last played for Sabah in 2012, donned Penang colours the last three seasons. He is among the seven new faces that have been signed to beef up the team ahead of the new season.
The FA also snapped up Labuan-born striker Mazlan Yahya, who played for Selangor PKNS this year, while former KDMM FC midfielder Melky Balang will also be under the payroll of the FA for the new season. Elias Sulaiman from Penang is another player being brought in to strengthen the state squad.
Friday, December 22, 2017
PJ Rangers snatch Ronny under Rhinos’ noses
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: National defender Ronny Harun has joined PJ Rangers in an undisclosed deal on Wednesday that eventually ended Sabah Rhinos’ chase of signing its former player. He is the second Sabahan to have signed for the FAM Cup outfit, formerly known as AirAsia Allstars, after young goalkeeper Masran Masri.
The national defender was initially reported to be keen to make a return to his home state – Sabah. He was even spotted training with the state team at least once, but due to lack of urgency in the part of the Sabah FA in getting his signature, the 33-year-old Sipitang-born player, who made his Sabah debut in 2003, opted to sign for PJ Rangers instead.
Ronny, who is comfortable playing at the back four, played for Sarawak the last five seasons until his contract ended recently. Apart from Sarawak, Ronny, who was the only Malaysian in the AFF Best XI at the 2017 AFF Football Awards recently, had also donned Kedah and Terengganu colours during his career spanning 14 years. Datuk Juil Nuatim confirmed that Ronny signed on the dotted line with PJ Rangers.
KOTA KINABALU: National defender Ronny Harun has joined PJ Rangers in an undisclosed deal on Wednesday that eventually ended Sabah Rhinos’ chase of signing its former player. He is the second Sabahan to have signed for the FAM Cup outfit, formerly known as AirAsia Allstars, after young goalkeeper Masran Masri.
The national defender was initially reported to be keen to make a return to his home state – Sabah. He was even spotted training with the state team at least once, but due to lack of urgency in the part of the Sabah FA in getting his signature, the 33-year-old Sipitang-born player, who made his Sabah debut in 2003, opted to sign for PJ Rangers instead.
Ronny, who is comfortable playing at the back four, played for Sarawak the last five seasons until his contract ended recently. Apart from Sarawak, Ronny, who was the only Malaysian in the AFF Best XI at the 2017 AFF Football Awards recently, had also donned Kedah and Terengganu colours during his career spanning 14 years. Datuk Juil Nuatim confirmed that Ronny signed on the dotted line with PJ Rangers.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Yassin finalises President’s Cup squad
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Yassin Aman yesterday announced his full squad which will spearhead Sabah’s charge in the President’s Cup challenge next season. The Junior Rhinos team manager said they do not want to drag the matter much longer in order for the team to get into full swing in their preparations for the 2018 campaign, which is expected to kick off in early February.
Yassin also named Benedict Asmat as assistant team manager. Johnny Dominicus is the head coach and will be assisted by Vun Ket Ming @ Billyton. Jasrih Jabidin is the goalkeeper coach, while Maxson Michael George is the team’s physiotherapist with Awang Jasre Awang Matusin the fitness coach. Mohd Syazwan Imran is the team administrative officer.
When met at the team’s training at the Likas Stadium here yesterday, Yassin said there is not much time left for them to get the team ready. “We have decided to name a squad of 30 players for the new season, which we believe is a big enough squad to mount our challenge in the competition. “From now on, our training will shift to high gear, but I’ll leave that to our head coach Johnny (Dominicus) and his coaching staff to prepare the team.
KOTA KINABALU: Mohd Yassin Aman yesterday announced his full squad which will spearhead Sabah’s charge in the President’s Cup challenge next season. The Junior Rhinos team manager said they do not want to drag the matter much longer in order for the team to get into full swing in their preparations for the 2018 campaign, which is expected to kick off in early February.
Yassin also named Benedict Asmat as assistant team manager. Johnny Dominicus is the head coach and will be assisted by Vun Ket Ming @ Billyton. Jasrih Jabidin is the goalkeeper coach, while Maxson Michael George is the team’s physiotherapist with Awang Jasre Awang Matusin the fitness coach. Mohd Syazwan Imran is the team administrative officer.
When met at the team’s training at the Likas Stadium here yesterday, Yassin said there is not much time left for them to get the team ready. “We have decided to name a squad of 30 players for the new season, which we believe is a big enough squad to mount our challenge in the competition. “From now on, our training will shift to high gear, but I’ll leave that to our head coach Johnny (Dominicus) and his coaching staff to prepare the team.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Jelius still looking for prolific foreign striker
New Sabah Times
JELIUS ATING is still on the lookout for a prolific foreign striker to spearhead the Sabah Rhinos attack next year. The Sabah Rhinos head coach said he is not in a hurry to fill in the last quota of a foreign player in the team. At the moment, four hopeful Rhinos namely Ivory Cost duo Ballo Famoussa and Arthur Kouassi as well as latest arrivals Alagi Sosseh of Gambia and Sergi Arimany I Pruenca are currently attending trials with the team.
The foursome was involved in the Sabah Rhinos’ second friendly game against Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra, which the home side won 1-0 at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday. Sabah Rhinos needed a late strike from Kouassi, who connected a cross from Jaenyeong, to win the match. However, none seemed to impress Jelius, and they need to do a lot more if they harbour hope to don Sabah Rhinos colours.
Jelius said: “We will give them (foreign hopefuls) a chance (to show what they capable of) in the friendlies, including the two new ones yesterday (Wednesday). None have really impressed us yet, though. “That said, until we find the top candidate, I’m not in a rush to select the foreign import…there is still time to look for the best option,” he said yesterday.
JELIUS ATING is still on the lookout for a prolific foreign striker to spearhead the Sabah Rhinos attack next year. The Sabah Rhinos head coach said he is not in a hurry to fill in the last quota of a foreign player in the team. At the moment, four hopeful Rhinos namely Ivory Cost duo Ballo Famoussa and Arthur Kouassi as well as latest arrivals Alagi Sosseh of Gambia and Sergi Arimany I Pruenca are currently attending trials with the team.
The foursome was involved in the Sabah Rhinos’ second friendly game against Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra, which the home side won 1-0 at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday. Sabah Rhinos needed a late strike from Kouassi, who connected a cross from Jaenyeong, to win the match. However, none seemed to impress Jelius, and they need to do a lot more if they harbour hope to don Sabah Rhinos colours.
Jelius said: “We will give them (foreign hopefuls) a chance (to show what they capable of) in the friendlies, including the two new ones yesterday (Wednesday). None have really impressed us yet, though. “That said, until we find the top candidate, I’m not in a rush to select the foreign import…there is still time to look for the best option,” he said yesterday.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Rhinos bounce back to defeat Indonesian side
By FRANCIS XAVIER
SANDAKAN: Sabah Rhinos were forced to fight back from a one-goal down in their 4-1 win over Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra at the Likas Stadium on Saturday. The visiting PPLM led in the first half through goal from Ebi Pebriansyah.
After the breather, Sabah Rhinos bounced back and hit four past their opponents with Leopold Alfonso Otong scored the leveler before Ivory Cost duo of Ballo Famoussa and Arthur Kouassi helped the state side to take control of the tie. Famoussa, previously with Laos Premier League champions Lao Toyata FC, put Sabah Rhinos in the lead with a double followed by his countryman Kouassi, who came in as a second half substitute, sealed their win with a late strike.
The friendly match is one of three games that the Indonesian side will be playing during their short stay here. Tonight, they will take on the state President Cup squad (under-21) as the same venue before facing the Sabah Rhinos again on December 13.
SANDAKAN: Sabah Rhinos were forced to fight back from a one-goal down in their 4-1 win over Indonesian side PPLM Bina Sentra at the Likas Stadium on Saturday. The visiting PPLM led in the first half through goal from Ebi Pebriansyah.
After the breather, Sabah Rhinos bounced back and hit four past their opponents with Leopold Alfonso Otong scored the leveler before Ivory Cost duo of Ballo Famoussa and Arthur Kouassi helped the state side to take control of the tie. Famoussa, previously with Laos Premier League champions Lao Toyata FC, put Sabah Rhinos in the lead with a double followed by his countryman Kouassi, who came in as a second half substitute, sealed their win with a late strike.
The friendly match is one of three games that the Indonesian side will be playing during their short stay here. Tonight, they will take on the state President Cup squad (under-21) as the same venue before facing the Sabah Rhinos again on December 13.
Saturday, December 09, 2017
Ball in Mafry, Ronny’s court
By FRANCIS XAVIER
SANDAKAN: Jelius Ating will parade a mixed side when they take on PPLM Bina Sentra of Indonesia in a friendly at the Likas Stadium tonight. Kick off time is at 8pm. The Sabah Rhinos head coach said he is likely to parade the usual faces to team up with some hopefuls, who are currently on trials with the team.
“I’ll be using the match to have a good look at the hopefuls who are currently attending trials with the team, including the foreign players, where we have two at the moment,” said Jelius, referring to Brazilian striker Geison Moura and Ivory Coast attacker Ballo Famoussa, who just arrived last night.
As for Spaniard, Alain Eizagirre, who arrived together with Moura, he has left the state after failing to impress Jelius. Jelius also revealed that they are currently in talks with two former state players Mafry Balang and Ronny Harun. “The offer is already on the table, and now the ball is in their court (Mafry and Ronny).
SANDAKAN: Jelius Ating will parade a mixed side when they take on PPLM Bina Sentra of Indonesia in a friendly at the Likas Stadium tonight. Kick off time is at 8pm. The Sabah Rhinos head coach said he is likely to parade the usual faces to team up with some hopefuls, who are currently on trials with the team.
“I’ll be using the match to have a good look at the hopefuls who are currently attending trials with the team, including the foreign players, where we have two at the moment,” said Jelius, referring to Brazilian striker Geison Moura and Ivory Coast attacker Ballo Famoussa, who just arrived last night.
As for Spaniard, Alain Eizagirre, who arrived together with Moura, he has left the state after failing to impress Jelius. Jelius also revealed that they are currently in talks with two former state players Mafry Balang and Ronny Harun. “The offer is already on the table, and now the ball is in their court (Mafry and Ronny).
Wednesday, December 06, 2017
Rhinos begin hunt for prolific striker
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: A Spaniard and a Brazilian attacker are the early birds to have arrived here to attend trials with the Sabah Rhinos as the state side begins their search for a top-notch striker in a bid to bolster their attack in the Premier League challenge next season. Alain Eizagirre, 25, who could play as a leading striker as well as a left winger and Brazilian Geison Moura, 31, attended their first session of trials with the team at the Likas Stadium yesterday after arriving in the state capital late Monday.
Sabah Rhinos head coach Jelius Ating said he is looking for a prolific striker following the departure of Serbian forward Rodoljub Paunovic, whose short-term contract was not extended along with Zambian defender Francis Kasonde. He said he will have a good look at all hopefuls before picking up his choice.
“We are looking to fill the one slot for foreign imports and as of today (yesterday) there are two players currently joining in with the team. “We are expecting more to come in the coming days or weeks, and we will have a good look at all of them before we decide on our choice. We are looking for someone that fits our criteria,” said Jelius, when met at the team’s training.
KOTA KINABALU: A Spaniard and a Brazilian attacker are the early birds to have arrived here to attend trials with the Sabah Rhinos as the state side begins their search for a top-notch striker in a bid to bolster their attack in the Premier League challenge next season. Alain Eizagirre, 25, who could play as a leading striker as well as a left winger and Brazilian Geison Moura, 31, attended their first session of trials with the team at the Likas Stadium yesterday after arriving in the state capital late Monday.
Sabah Rhinos head coach Jelius Ating said he is looking for a prolific striker following the departure of Serbian forward Rodoljub Paunovic, whose short-term contract was not extended along with Zambian defender Francis Kasonde. He said he will have a good look at all hopefuls before picking up his choice.
“We are looking to fill the one slot for foreign imports and as of today (yesterday) there are two players currently joining in with the team. “We are expecting more to come in the coming days or weeks, and we will have a good look at all of them before we decide on our choice. We are looking for someone that fits our criteria,” said Jelius, when met at the team’s training.
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
Musa names officials for 2018 campaign
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating had his Premier League stay extended, at least for another season after being retained as the Sabah Rhinos head coach for the 2018 campaign. This is seen as a reward for the former state stalwart after guiding the state side to safety when he was first handed the role midway into the first round of the 2017 campaign.
The 46-year-old along with his former central defensive partner of several seasons, Burhan Ajui, 44, assistant coach have been entrusted to form a formidable side in order to mount a stronger challenge in the Premier League campaign next year. Hailing from Sipitang, Jelius helmed the Sabah Rhinos hot seat in late March this year, replacing Frenchman Steve Vilmiaire, who left the team barely four months into the job, following a string of poor results.
Prior to the promotion, the former state captain who has an FA Cup (1995) and Premier League (1996) medal to his name, was into his second season with the state Under-19 squad. Sabah FA president Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman, who is also the Chief Minister, announced the appointment in a statement read by deputy president II Datuk Lawrence Gimbang during a press conference held at the FA’s office in Maksak Hall, Likas yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: Jelius Ating had his Premier League stay extended, at least for another season after being retained as the Sabah Rhinos head coach for the 2018 campaign. This is seen as a reward for the former state stalwart after guiding the state side to safety when he was first handed the role midway into the first round of the 2017 campaign.
The 46-year-old along with his former central defensive partner of several seasons, Burhan Ajui, 44, assistant coach have been entrusted to form a formidable side in order to mount a stronger challenge in the Premier League campaign next year. Hailing from Sipitang, Jelius helmed the Sabah Rhinos hot seat in late March this year, replacing Frenchman Steve Vilmiaire, who left the team barely four months into the job, following a string of poor results.
Prior to the promotion, the former state captain who has an FA Cup (1995) and Premier League (1996) medal to his name, was into his second season with the state Under-19 squad. Sabah FA president Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman, who is also the Chief Minister, announced the appointment in a statement read by deputy president II Datuk Lawrence Gimbang during a press conference held at the FA’s office in Maksak Hall, Likas yesterday.
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