By: GL Oh
Kota Kinabalu: Team manager Henry Saimpon hopes the Likas Stadium roar from the faithful can inspire Sabah Tambadaus to return to their winning ways and beat UiTM in the Premier League clash tonight (Saturday). He said a big turnout in the stadium is a must to ensure the noise from the stands will give the players an extra push to deliver the all important three points for the team.
The match is expected to be an explosive affair as only one point separates the two teams at the moment, with Sabah in second place with 14 points while their opponents are one rung below, a point less but with a game in hand. “It is very important we take advantage of playing at home to get the maximum points.
It is also an opportunity for the players to redeem themselves,” he said on Friday. He also said the team are fine despite the recent losses, and it was only due to injuries to key players that somehow affected their play. “I am sure the coaching staff led by (coach) Jelius Ating will have the right plan worked out to grab a win tomorrow, so I call on all the fans be united and come to the stadium and give their full support to the team.”
Meanwhile, Jelius admitted the importance of the match tonight following the 1-0 loss to Kelantan United in the FA Cup and Premier League 2-1 defeat by Selangor United in the last match. “I have to admit the defeats had dampened the team’s spirit slightly. I had tried my very best to motivate the players and the match tomorrow will be very important for them to get back to winning ways and also to strengthen our position in the league.”
However, Sabah will have to do without at least three of their first team players in the match tonight. Apart from Sabri Sahar, who is currently recovering from recent surgery, captain Rawilson Batuil and Azizzan Nordin are also out for one match after picking up three yellow cards. Maxsius Musa may also be out with injury while Ricco Nigel Milus, who took over Sabri’s place in his absence, is doubtful as well with an injury of his own.
Despite the setback, the coach is confident the players on the pitch will be able to perform their duty well. “This is also an opportunity for the others to prove they are first 11 material with a good performance tomorrow,” he said on Friday. The probable line-up tonight are Rozaimie Rohim in goal, Maffry Balang, Park Taesu, Randy Baruh and Dendy Lowa in defence, Luka Milunovic in midfield with Jenius Karib, Alto Linus and Muhammad Mohd Safar while Luis Carlos Junior and Rodoljub Paunovic will lead the attacks.
