By: GL Oh
Kota Kinabalu: Tambadaus head coach Jelius Ating will keep his faith with the starting 11 players that beat Police in their previous match when Sabah take on Negeri Sembilan at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium tonight (Saturday). He said there is no reason to drop any of the players since they had delivered the goods against Police and done very well in training as well. “We will start with the same 11 players that played very well against Police.
They had shown a very positive attitude in training as well, so there is no reason not to play them at this moment. “However, those listed on the bench are equally important to the team and they must always be on standby mode and ready to come on to replace any of the 11 players as our main target is to continue winning matches,” he said on Friday.
He admitted he has no in-depth knowledge of the Negeri Sembilan side this season apart from a few video clips and their current record of one win, three draws and one loss. “It is a danger to underestimate a team like this. I want the players to be on alert as their opponents had the experience of playing in the Super League last season.
“I hope the improved performance from the players in each match will continue, to ensure our fourth straight win in the league tomorrow night before we take a three-week break. “It is important to get as many points as we can at this stage. Our season had started very well and we should take advantage of the momentum so that we can be at a better position at the end of the season, “ he added.
Meanwhile, the starting line-up barring any unforeseen circumstances before the match will see Rozaimie Rohim in goal, skipper Rawilson Batuil, Park Taesu, Randy Baruh and Dendy Lowa in defence. Azizan Nordin will be in the midfield with Maxsius Musa and Sabri Sahar on the flanks while Rodoljub Paunovic and Luiz Carlos Junior will start up front supported by Luka Milunovic from behind. Sabah are currently in second place with 10 points, two behind JDT II while Negeri Sembilan are in sixth place with six points.
