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Time to adapt: Sabah’s Darren Lok are hoping that it will not rain when they take on Pahang in the Malaysia Cup second-leg semi-final on Sunday. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: When it rains, it pours – that best describes the worsening condition of the field at the Temerloh Stadium during the monsoon season.
The non-stop torrential downpour had made the pitch bad to worse and it had affected the Super League game between Pahang and Kuala Lumpur last week, with some even calling it a ‘waterpolo’ match.
And now players are dreading in anticipation of similar condition when Sabah take on the Elephants at the stadium for the Malaysia Cup second-leg semi-final on Sunday.
The Rhinos’ striker Darren Lok said they would come prepared but hoping it would not rain.
“We know that the condition may be difficult if it continues to rain but the situation will be the same for both teams. We will have to adapt if that’s the case,” said the 34-year-old.
“Fingers crossed that it’ll not rain so that we can have a proper game of football. For me, it makes no sense to play games in such bad conditions, but here in Malaysia we are forced to play anyway and it ruins a lot of potentially good games.”
Both sides are tied 1-1 on aggregate, but playing an away game may not be the favour of Sabah.
They may not only have to deal with an unpredictable pitch condition but also the fervent Pahang fans.
Darren, though, feels that on their day, they can pose a stronger challenge for their opponents.
“We know how hard the task is going to be, but we have to believe. We are having a good season so far and we know on our day we can be a tough opponent for anyone.
“We will need to be at our best to beat this strong Pahang side,” he added.
Darren, who usually plays as a number nine, has been used as a winger or second striker in matches this season, tasked to help lone Brazilian striker Joao Pedro.
The Malaysian international has so far played 15 matches in all competitions, scoring two goals and making three assists.
“I can contribute in different ways in any positions.
“I’ve been enjoying every game with Sabah.
“I hope to give my best performances for the rest of the season and help us achieve our targets.”
Sabah are looking to qualify for the Malaysia Cup final after 22 years. The Rhinos last played in the final in 2003, where they lost to a now-defunct Selangor MPPJ 0-3 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Getting to the semi-final itself was a sweet success for Sabah, as they last did it seven years ago in 2018 when they faced eventual champions Perak, who thrashed them 7-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
But Darren and Co are hoping to get their hands on the final ticket to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil in April by silencing the Pahang fans in Temerloh.