RODOLJUB PAUNOVIC is looking forward to a successful season with his Tambadau side before insisting they will be a stronger team this time around. The Serbian striker also vows to play his part in helping the team realise their Super League promotion dream. This will be his third season donning Sabah colours, albeit that in the past two seasons, he only joined the team midway through the league.
“I think we will be a stronger side this time. We have been building the team for three years now … we have recruited new players while the local boys are now more matured and more experienced and I hope we will achieve better results than last season. “So now, I’m pretty much looking forward to the new season and I expect good things to happen,” said Paunovic when met at the ‘Meet-the-fans’ session hosted by Sabah Football Association (Safa) in collaboration with Ararat Sports & Souvenirs Sdn Bhd at one of the leading shopping malls yesterday.
Paunovic, 33, is also looking forward to playing alongside his countryman in Luka Milunovic. Luka, 26, is an attacking midfielder and is one of the two latest additions to the State squad with Korean defender Park Taesu being the other. “I think we can combine well as we speak the same language and we understand each other. I hope he will create more chances for me and I create chances for him too to score and help the team to do well,” he said.
“He is a big name back home. He is a quality player and had played for top sides like Red Star Belgrade,” he added. Meanwhile, Tambadau captain, Rawilson Batuil is no less determined than his striker-in-chief. “The team are now in the best shape and are in high spirits to kick off our campaign this Saturday,” said Rawilson.
“I’ll do my level best to help the team to achieve success, including earning Super League promotion,” he added. He also called on the rest of his team-mates to give their best and kick start their challenge on the right footing where they face off with Johor Darul Ta’zim II at the Likas Stadium tomorrow (Feb 2). “I guess, we are ready for the big day, and I also hope that the fans are as ready as the team and come in full force to support us,” he added. – FRANCIS XAVIER
