KOTA KINABALU: Tambadau are planning to play warm-up matches in Peninsular Malaysia during the ongoing three weeks’ break. Team manager Henry Saimpon said they are planning to play a few matches against Super League sides next week. However, he added that at the moment nothing is finalised. “We are still in talks with a few Super League teams. We hope to play at least two matches … hopefully, everything will be okay,” said Henry.
“We believe it is important for the team to play warm-up matches in order for them to maintain their fine momentum. “Furthermore, it would also help them to remain competitive. Without playing any competitive matches for three weeks would surely affect the players’ momentum, so they need to play warm-up matches,” he added. Tambadau are currently pretty much on the right track in their Premier League challenge.
They are currently sitting second in the 11-team league on 11 points from three wins, two draws and one defeat. They are two points behind leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim II, who also have a one-game advantage. Third-placed UiTM FC are one point behind, but with a game in hand. Selangor United are also on 10 points but lose out to UiTM FC on goal difference. Fifth-placed Terengganu FC II are on eight points, while UKM FC, Penang and Negeri Sembilan are level on seven points, but separated by goal difference. Kelantan, Sarawak and PDRM languish at the bottom of the standings on five, three and one points respectively.
The Premier League will resume at the end of the month. Meanwhile, Sabah Football Association (SAFA) acting president Datuk Peter Anthony together with Tambadau squad as well as several Sabah ex-state players will be organising a charity programme later this week. According to Henry, they will visit former Sabah players in the 1970-1980s, Paulus Jimit in Tambunan, who is suffering from stroke, this Friday (March 15).
“We will visit Paulus in the morning while later in the evening, we will be holding a charity match for Paulus and another ex-state player from the Interior Upper, Jelius Arurung, who donned Sabah colours in the 90s. He is also sick and lost his sight during a kidney illness. “This charity match will be played at the Keningau Stadium that will pit the Tambadau squad against Keningau Selection,” he said. The match will kick off at 7pm. “We are calling on all local football fans, especially those who live in and around Keningau, to come and support the event,” said Henry.
“This charity programme is mooted by our president, who wants to give a helping hand to ex-state players who have contributed to the state, and are now in need of help,” said Henry. “As for the Tambadau, this is among their programmes during the ongoing break,” he added. – FRANCIS XAVIER
