HI folks, it is great to be back after a very long absence from the scene. I must say a very big thank you to Daily Express for giving me the opportunity to express my views on the present MFL Super League of which Sabah FC are involved in and also on the Malaysian football scenario in general.
I am very happy to see that our beloved Sabah team, now known as Sabah FC are competing in the country’s top tier league.
Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee in his first full season at the helm last year has done a good job to guide the team to finish third behind champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC and Terengganu FC as well as qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation Cup (AFC) competition.
This season, the team started rather well and was unbeaten in the opening five matches before losing their first match to leaders JDT in an away tie in March followed by another away loss to Kuala Lumpur City FC in April.
Since then, the team seemed to lose their consistency a bit but still managed to win four in addition to two draws with two losses out of the next eight matches played.
They are at the present moment standing in fifth position in the table with 27 points after 15 games with 11 more left to play. Their next game is against Kuching FC this afternoon (Saturday) at the Likas Stadium.
The opponents whom they had beaten 2-1 in early March have only managed one win and three draws from 14 matches and sit in 12th position out of the 14 teams.
It is a home game and on paper, it should be a stroll in the park for Sabah FC and I am certain the supporters also have high expectations that the team will be able to notch a convincing victory to move them up the table.
However, based on my observation after watching Selangor FC made to sweat before struggling to beat a spirited Kuching FC 2-1 in a recent game, I sense that they may still pose a threat to Sabah FC if the players are not focused and let their guards down.
They must not be too complacent from the start and the midfield engine room must be in total control of the game.
The defence having shipped in 20 goals and only managed two clean sheets in the league since the season started must be on alert at all times especially on counter attacks by Kuching FC. To score an early goal is very important as I believe Kuching FC will be playing a more defensive game today.
However, I am sure Datuk Ong Kim Swee is well aware of this and has the line-up in mind for the game.
He also has a fully rested squad following the long break to select the right players. All the best to Sabah FC in tonight’s game and let’s hope they will maintain their good form at home to register another win for the fans.
