By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Drastic action will be taken if Sabah Tambadaus fail to beat UKM FC in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium this Saturday (April 20). Sabah Football Association (Safa) acting President Datuk Peter Anthony (pic) issued the warning on Tuesday following the team’s insipid performance in the last three matches, where they only managed a draw with UiTM and lost the other two including the FA Cup loss to third tier team Kelantan United.
“The match with UKM FC this Saturday, which is our final first round match will be the last chance for the players to show their capabilities. “If they still are unable to deliver a win, then we will not hesitate to take drastic measures including to axe players who failed to produce performance that are expected of them.”
He said with the open transfer window set to take place next month, there is a chance for them to revamp the team. “We have the opportunity to reconstruct the team as the transfer window will open from May 2-29. “The team are still on track to achieve our main target in getting promotion to the Super League next season.
“However, we also do not want another bad result to jeopardise our aim so we will do what are best needed to ensure Sabah will be represented by the best team for the challenge.” He added that the consecutive losses to Kelantan United and Selangor United after their previous six-match unbeaten run in the League was disappointing. The team also failed to redeem themselves when they were held 1-1 by UiTM in the last league tie here at Likas Stadium.
“We are upset with the sudden decline in form because we know how well the team can be and the performance on Saturday was really disappointing. “We could have won the match easily with at least three open chances but failed to take any of them with some woeful finishing. “We need to address the problem so that we can still be on track to get promotion at the end of the season.
” He also hopes with the expected return of skipper Rawilson Batuil, Azizzan Nordin who were both suspended in the UiTM match and the injured duo Maxsisu Musa and Ricco Nugel Milus to the squad, they can return to their winning ways again. Meanwhile, Peter also stressed that the management will do their very best for the team including ensuring the welfare of the players and hope the players will also do their best for the team.
