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LAST month, the Safa management changed the Sabah FC's mascot from the Rhino to the Eagle. As a fan, I am annoyed with this decision which is like turning their backs to the fans and their views.

According to reports, one of the reasons for the change was to promote team spirit and have a new image.

For me, the reason given by Alijus doesn't make sense. Everyone knows this move is not the solution for the team's problems. It had caused uneasiness for the fans who for so long had known the team as The Rhinos.

The Safa management should analyse and foresee the implications of changing the mascot.

These decisions actually expose the Safa management as being inconsistent and pride-less.

Just because they can't cope with the team's performance these past few seasons they decided to change the mascot in the hope that the team will enter the super league.

In Sabahrhino.com, Alijus was surprised to find out that the KL team is also using the eagle as their mascot. This goes to show that he did not even know the mascots of the other teams.

The mascot chosen since the founding of the club should be retained despite the team's performance (Take the EPL for example, even when they are facing a bad spell, the mascot doesn't change.

It has become part of their history and one that is precious to them).

Safa cannot force the fans to accept the new mascot. Believe it or not, the whole of Sabah especially from the rural areas, know the Rhinos.

It is time for Safa to prove that they can bring the Rhinos to another level rather than just changing the mascot. I also hope that the team will succeed to the super league this year.