Kota Kinabalu: Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said getting match fitness for his players is the main objective for Sabah FC in the Sabah Maju Cup scheduled to start today (Monday) at the Likas Stadium.
Sabah FC are to play Singapore Premier League side Hougang United at 8pm preceded by the match between KL City FC and Kuching City FC at 4pm.
“Of course we would like to win in any tournament, but for me, the main objective in taking part in this competition is to get match fitness and at the same time to know our strengths and weaknesses before the start of the season. We will try to qualify for the final and try to win the title but it is important for me to know the combination of the players,” he said.
He also said local players would get the opportunity to play and gain exposure.
Meanwhile, on further strengthening the team this season, Ong said there is no immediate plan to sign any more players.
“We must understand that the management has laid down the guideline on the team’s expenditure this season. So as the coach, I have to respect the decision and we will not be getting any more players unless there is an instruction from the top.”
He is hopeful that the current management will be more effective to ensure the financial problems encountered by the team last season will not be repeated.
Despite the lack of new players, he is very confident that the team will be able to challenge other big spending teams such as Selangor, Terengganu, Perak, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching City FC in the new season.
Meanwhile, Sabah FC’s second match in the Sabah Maju Cup is against KL City FC at 8pm on May 1 after the early match between Kuching City FC and Hougang United at 4pm.
Their final group match is on May 3 against Kuching City FC at 8pm while the final will be held on May 5 at 8pm and the play-off for third and fourth place will be played at 4pm.
