KUALA LUMPUR – With Sabah FC securing six points from their first two Super League matches this season, head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is aware that there are bound to be bumps along the way.
Sabah defeated PDRM FC 4-0 and Kelantan United FC 3-1 to win their first two matches at home, but Ong believes it is too early to predict the season’s outcome.
“It is a good start for us, but it is still too early to predict what will happen in the next few games.
“It is very important to get a good start especially playing at home to secure maximum points,” he told The Vibes.
He said the club’s next two away games will test his players as they travel to Sarawak to play Kuching City FC on March 6 and to the peninsula to face off against Sri Pahang FC on March 12.
“I believe this will be the test of our strength and ability to compete and become a strong contender for the year,” said the former Harimau Malaya coach.
Within the squad, Ong said the players have been getting along well, but the season has just begun and there are many games to be played.
“It is a long season, along the way there will definitely be some hiccups. I hope we can maintain and sustain what we have been doing.
“Most importantly is to remain focused regardless of who we play against,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ong noted that being a club based in East Malaysia, the team is trying their best to cope with extensive travel for away matches.
“We had already received the season’s schedule ahead of time so we knew that our first two matches would be at home followed by two away matches.
“So what we are trying is to get from one destination to another as early as possible, because when we have to be away for two games, we need to spend a lot of money.
“Based on the schedule, we have to consider things like the team accommodation and logistics, so we are trying to cope with that aspect,” said Ong. – The Vibes, March 3, 2023