New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Head coach Justin Ganai insists his side must get better if they hope to go beyond the group stage in the President’s Cup 2019 Group A challenge.
He said they need massive improvements, particularly their finishing.
However, Justin said he was happy with the progress the team has made thus far.
“We must continue to work hard and improve our game because the league is not going to get easier,” said Justin.
“If they continue to strive harder and work hard in training, I believe that there is still more to come (from his young side),” Justin added.
“So far, I’m happy with the progress the team has made. We seemed to improve from game to game. I hope the team will continue to improve and put up a better show. Tomorrow (today), I’m also expecting them to do better than last time out,” said Justin, whose side will take on Johor Darul Ta’zim III at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium today.
On the match, he said:
“If we can put up the same kind of performance and spirit against Selangor and able to score goals, I’m quite confident we will return home with three points or a point at the very least.”
For the record, Tambadau Junior will go into the 4.45pm tie on a four-match unbeaten run.
They drew two-all against Selangor in their last fixture at the Likas Stadium where they came back from two goals down to share the spoils with the Group A leaders.
On his line-up, Justin said he is likely to parade the same side against Selangor, except for striker Faizulnizam Aziz and defender Mohd Izzat Aziz, who will miss the tie through injury and suspension respectively.
Faizulnizam suffered a fractured bone on his shoulder while Izzat was red-carded in the tie against Selangor last Thursday.
Justin said Faizulnizam will be replaced by Muhammad Faqhrurazi Ahmad while Kelvin Pengiran will fill in the vacuum left by Izzat.
The rest will be retained including goalkeeper Joslan Aping while Gerald Gadit and Mohd Azmizan Ruslih will be deployed at the right and left back respectively with Kelvin and Abdul Hanafie Tokyo Abdul Hasim at the heart of the backline.
In the midfield, Justin will have the influential duo of Mohd Syukri Baharun and Captain Mohd Aidil Safee with Erick Odo and Zulkifly Harun will be at either side of the flanks.
Faqhrurazi will spearhead the attack together with the nippy Ariusdius Jais.
Lanky striker Mohd Shariman Mukarim also makes the trip but will start the tie from the bench.
Nevile Remen, Eddey Ladius, Mohd Hasrul Nizam Roslan, Muhammad Syahmil Nizam Igbal Khan, Suhaizan Nazmie Etin @ Abdullah and Fredric Fadzly Gusmia were also among the travelling squad.
