PETALING JAYA: With the array of attackers that Sabah possess, Kelantan will have to be prepared for an onslaught of chances in the Super League.
Kelantan goalkeeper Khatul Anuar Jalil may have to bear the brunt of things but the 27-year-old is prepared to face them.
Sabah will be travelling to Kota Baru to face the Golden Deer in the Super League match at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium today.
After being held 0-0 by Penang in Kota Kinabalu last weekend, Datuk Ong Kim Swee has urged his charges to sharpen their finishing for the next game.
Kelantan goalkeeper Khatul Anuar Jalil
The team boast some fine attackers like Brazilian striker Ramon Machado, national striker Darren Lok, Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani and Spanish playmaker Miguel Cifuentes.
This quartet could rattle any defences with their attacking plays on any day as each players have their strengths but under Kim Swee’s setup, they are known to attack in numbers.
Kelantan, led by South Korean Park Jae-hong, lost their first league game 0-1 against Pahang but many praised the team for their defensive display especially Khatul, who made several saves.
The task against the Rhinos will be a lot more different but Khatul said the team are hell bent on getting three points since they are playing at home.
“Sabah are always challenging for the top positions in the Super League. If you look at their squad, every department is stacked,” said the former Kuala Lumpur and Penang player.
“They have two top quality strikers in Darren and Machado, then their flankers are speedsters. Then there is the midfield, all capable of making late darts to the penalty box or even shots from outside the box.
“They have quality, so when facing a side like that, it’s the tactical discipline that counts and the coach has emphasised that.
“But he also wants us to win, so we adding tactical solidity and also planning some good attacking strategies to get the first three points of the season.
“And me being the last line of defence, I will be on my toes for sure. I will do my best to thwart the attacks.”
