By: GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Team manager Henry Saimpon (pic) believes Sabah Tambadaus will perform even better when the second round of the Premier League resumes this week. The team finished third in the table standing behind JDT II (24)and UiTM (20) with 18 points from five wins, three draws and two defeats in the just concluded opening round.
“With the amount of effort and input from the coaching staff headed by Jelius Ating and also by the others to improve the performance of the team, I am confident the players will play even better in the second rounds. “Despite some obstacles, we should be proud of the team’s first round performance which has put us on the right platform to achieve our target of winning promotion at the end of the season,” he said on Monday.
The team’s pre-season was hit by several issues and the preparation was only able to start at end of last year. “Our preparation this season started rather late and only began after the new management team came in late last year. “There were several issues including the lack of understanding at the beginning, which we managed to settle one at a time, and with all those finally behind us now, I believe the team can be improved further.”
He added that steps to overhaul the team may be on the cards with the transfer window set to open on May 2 until May 29. The team are currently without first choice player Sabri Sahar for the rest of the season after his knee surgery last month, and also Maxsius Musa who is still uncertain over his fitness due to a hamstring issue.
“As I had said earlier, efforts to improve the team are ongoing and whatever steps taken by us are for the good of the team. “If overhauling will make us stronger, then why not? However, we must also take into account other factors as well, such as the financial situation of the team. “Any addition and changing of players will be discussed with the coaches first before submitting the recommendation to the acting president for the follow-up.
” He also said the team are very grateful for the supports given by Datuk Peter Anthony who is the acting President of Sabah Football Association (Safa). “The team are very lucky to have Datuk Peter as the acting president because of his understanding and ability to meet the needs of the team. “His leadership and concerns especially on their welfare, has allowed the players and officials to focus fully on their respective tasks,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah will begin their second round campaign against Selangor United at Likas Stadium on May 4 before their next match with UKM FC away on May 18. Meanwhile, the Sabah President Cup squad suffered their fourth loss in Group A with a 3-1 defeat to Selangor United at the Stadium Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang, Monday afternoon.
The team who played well to beat previously unbeaten PJ City FC 1-0 in their last match started on a bright note as they took a 1-0 lead courtesy of Zulkifly Harun’s strike from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. However, two quickfire goals conceded in the 38th and 40th minutes saw them trailing 1-2 at half time.
They tried to make a comeback in the second half, but despite their dominance, they were unable to unlock the home side’s defence and as they grew desperate, the Selangor United players seized the opportunity to score their third against the run of play in the 83rd minute to seal the win. With the loss, Sabah ended the first round ties with only 11 points after nine matches played with three wins, two draws and four losses. They will next play bottom side Armed Forces FC at Stadium Mindef, Kuala Lumpur this Thursday (May 2).
