New Sabah Times
By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Team manager Henry Saimpon is confident Tambadau will mount a stronger challenge in the second round of the Premier League that kicks off this Saturday.
“The boys have worked hard in training to improve the team and the coaching staff led by head coach Jelius Ating have done a good job and I’m confident we will put up a better show in the second half of the season,” said Henry yesterday.
“We are quite happy with what the team have achieved in the first round. When we look at the standings, I think we are pretty much on the right track in our quest for Super League promotion.
“Furthermore, the first round campaign has given us a good lesson in certain areas that we need to improve,” said Henry, while hinting that they are likely to bring in new faces to beef up the squad during the upcoming transfer window that opens on May 2 to 29.
“We will continue to try to strengthen the team from time to time. For us, it is a continuous process (strengthening the squad). So whatever decision we are going to make, it will be for the team’s development.
He said losing influential midfielder Sabri Sahar to long-term injury as well as Maxsius Musa, who is still in the crock list, also due to injury, are among the reasons why they must consider hiring new faces.
“Any addition to the squad or change of players will be discussed with the head coach before we submit the suggestion to our acting president (Datuk Peter Anthony for further action,” he said.
Henry said they are lucky because the Sabah Football Association new boss always understands and has been very supportive in fulfilling the team’s needs
“His (Peter) leadership and concern, especially in looking after the welfare of the team members enables us to be more focused on our respective roles, whether team officials or players,” Henry said.
Tambadau will kick start their second round challenge by taking on Selangor United FC at the Likas Stadium on May 4.
After the home clash, they will take a two-week break before the league resumes on May 18 where Tambadau will be away to UiTM FC.
They will open their second-round challenge lying third in the 11-team league behind leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim II and UiTM FC.
JDT II lead the standings on 24 points, while UiTM FC stay in second with 20 points and Tambadau third on 18 points from five wins, three draws and two defeats.
For the record, the top two teams in the league will gain automatic promotion to the Super League next season. But if JDT II conclude their season by emerging as the champions, then the team that finish third will make it into the Super League, as JDT II is a feeder club to JDT, and will not be promoted, according to FIFA rules.
