Sports & Fitness

Super League: Sabah unfazed by Selangor’s advantage

Home advantage boosts Rhinos’ confidence to take on Red Giants

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 27 Apr 2023 8:00AM

Super League: Sabah unfazed by Selangor’s advantage
Sabah FC, currently fourth in the Super League standing, has an unbeaten record of winning at home throughout this season. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes file pic, April 27, 2023

by Julie Jalaluddin

KOTA KINABALU – Sabah FC do not feel threatened by Selangor FC’s strength as the Rhinos aim to put a stop to the Red Giants’ four consecutive wins at Likas Stadium here, tonight. 

Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s charges are confident in their strength and wanted to focus on the tactics outlined by their head coach.

Sabah winger Saddil Ramdani said the team have exceptional first eleven and reserve players that would be contributing a big part in determining which team will get to win the Super League match.

“I am very proud of this team because we are an extraordinary squad in the Malaysian Super League. Everyone in this team also has good technique and quality.

“We have great players like Darren Lok, Stuart Wilkin, Mohd Amri Yahyah, and Dominic Tan. “We will fight together and give our best for the team to earn the three points, especially when playing at home.

“In fact, senior and legendary players (in Indonesia) have played against Selangor before, and they did not doubt Selangor being a strong adversary.

“The most important thing is that we take care of our own game, believe in the team and the coaches,” said the Indonesian when met during the squad’s training session here, yesterday.

Sabah winger Saddil Ramdani says the team have exceptional first eleven and reserve players that would be contributing a big part in determining which team will get to win the Super League match. – Makan Bola pic, April 27, 2023
Sabah winger Saddil Ramdani says the team have exceptional first eleven and reserve players that would be contributing a big part in determining which team will get to win the Super League match. – Makan Bola pic, April 27, 2023

Just like Ong, Selangor boss Tan Cheng Hoe was also the Harimau Malaya head coach.

Saddil added having both on the same field tonight would demonstrate each of the individual’s unique coaching style side by side.

“Both coaches have their own typical and tactical style.

“Since the start of the super league, both coaches showed exceptional performance. So, I am sure that Kim Swee’s charge would also guarantee the best action.”

Datuk Ong Kim Swee notes that it is important for Sabah to maintain their standing in the Super League, as they are currently five points behind Selangor. – Makan Bola pic, April 27, 2023
Datuk Ong Kim Swee notes that it is important for Sabah to maintain their standing in the Super League, as they are currently five points behind Selangor. – Makan Bola pic, April 27, 2023

Meanwhile, Ong noted that it is important for Sabah to maintain their standing in the league, as they are currently five points behind Selangor.

“We are quite far apart; five points behind Selangor. We will be playing at home (tonight), so if we fail to get points, we will continue to fall behind.

“Selangor has four consecutive victories…something that needs to be taken into account, but we have also achieved victory on our own field.

“I will not risk aiming for a draw, because both teams want to win and we cannot drop any more points,” said Ong.

Sabah, currently fourth in the league standing, has an unbeaten record of winning at home throughout this season.

As such, if Ong could successfully seal a victory against Selangor, his squad will climb one spot higher to push Sri Pahang FC down a rank. – The Vibes, April 27, 2023

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