Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC will try to beat Indonesian side PSM Makassar in their final AFC Cup group H match tonight (Thursday) at Likas Stadium despite already having booked their place in the next round.
Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday that Sabah FC need to build on their winning momentum ahead of the league tie with Kedah FC this Sunday.
“This is going to be our last match in the group stage. Although we have qualified to the next round, we still need to keep the momentum.
“To maintain our performance is important so that we will not lose any points and I believe those who are called upon to play will carry out their duties,” he said.
According to him, almost all the players are fit and he should have a full squad to pick the right players for the match.
“Apart from Gary Steven Robbat and Gabriel Peres who are still nursing injuries, the rest of the squad are in good shape but we still have time to decide who will be fielded.”
Meanwhile, Ong also brushed aside reports from social media that some of the players may leave the team next season.
“Let me clarify here. Many of the players are still contracted with Sabah FC until the end of 2024, so if the news of them leaving are from the social media then we should ignore them.
“We know it is the end of the season and the usual practice of clubs searching for new players is bound to happen but with an important game to play tomorrow and the final game of the season, I really don’t want my players to be disturbed.
“I hope all parties will understand. If teams are interested in Sabah FC players, I urge them to approach us professionally,” he said.
He also hoped there will not be any major changes in the team before the next round competition scheduled in February next year.
“If we can keep our best players it will definitely help in our preparation not only for the AFC Cup but also our league campaign next season.
“However, we also have a new management so it is bound to have some changes and at the same time we need to spend within our means,” he added.
