Aerial duel: Sabah captain Park Tae-su heads the ball during their game against Negri Sembilan. – Photo by Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: There are growing concerns on Sabah’s attacking game without the likes of Darren Lok and Saddil Ramdani.
Even though the Rhinos beat Negri Sembilan 2-0 in the Super League at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu last weekend, their finishing ability in the game was not impressive.
Their next Super League task will be even tougher as they will take on gritty Kuala Lumpur at the Cheras Football Stadium today.
Their attacking machinery suffered another setback when Brazilian striker Ramon Machado left the club due to personal reasons in July.
Striker Darren and winger Saddil also missed the game due to injuries since July, and in their absence, the likes of Jafri Firdaus Chew, Harith Naem Jaineh, S. Kumaahran, Azhad Harraz Arman and Farhan Roslan will vie for three spots up front.
Coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is taking it all in his stride.
“Losing players like Saddil, Darren and Ramon isn’t great but we believe that the reserves can do something for us,” said Kim Swee.
“This is the time for the others in the team to take the opportunity. They have to prove their worth. If they do well, the place is theirs. I do not need to think much about replacement.
“But we also have to note that our young strikers like Harith and Azhad can’t shine immediately. They are young and will need time to adapt to the big league.
“Kuala Lumpur are a tough side to crack on their day. Despite the financial issues plaguing them, they are difficult to play and besides, they are so united.
“We have to be focused and make sure to minimise their chances to launch attack. We can’t afford to lose.
“We want to continue being consistent in the league and if we beat Kuala Lumpur, we will go second in the league.”
Sabah are currently third with 10 points from five matches, while Kuala Lumpur are fifth with eight points from five games.
Meanwhile, Kim Swee hopes that the club will be able to get reinforcements in the second transfer window, especially in the attacking department.
He hopes that they would be able to find a replacement for Machado but all that depends on the budget of the club.
“I would like to have a few more players during the second window. We have solved our financial problems but I have to understand management’s situation. I have requested but the management will decide.”
