SABAH FC’s first leg of the Malaysia Cup round 16 tie against Kuching City FC takes place at the State Stadium in Kuching today (Saturday).
As usual the Borneo Derby has always been an exciting game.
I reckon it will be a very difficult away tie even though Sabah FC had beaten Kuching City FC twice this season in the league as both games had been tough with very slim winning margin.
I am certain that Kuching City FC’s main aim will be to avenge both defeats, and playing at home with the home crowd cheering would be a major boost for them.
Furthermore, Irfan Bakti, the former coach has left the team and I am sure his successor Aidil Sharin Sahak from Singapore will surely be keen to stamp his mark and get his players ready for a positive result.
It is unfortunate to learn that head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee has indicated that some main players are on the injury list that include Saddil Ramdani, Darren Lok, Park Taesu and Cifu (Miguel Ángel Garrido Cifuentes).
Well, it is hoped that despite the possible absence of these players, he will be able to make the best possible shuffling of players for their effective role in the game.
I am sure he will work out the right strategy for this match but the players must make sure that they can carry out the task to a tee.
The team have to play hard, the players must keep their focus and never let their guard down throughout the game until the final whistle.
Again, I hope that the defensive line can improve their performance further as we will be up against a spirited Kuching City FC.
To be able to keep a clean sheet will be great and hopefully we can score early as I have always emphasised on.
Perhaps this is the opportunity for Sabah FC to prove their mettle in the cup competition following their elimination in the quarter-final of the FA Cup by Selangor FC earlier in the season.
Let’s give our best shot in the Malaysia Cup campaign.
The ball is round and anything can happen in a football game.
To the Sabah team tonight, all the best and we are looking forward to a resounding victory.
