Top Scorers

Season	League	FA Cup	M Cup	Overall
2009	-	Azrul Ejati (1Goal)	-	-
07/08	Andre Scotti (12Goals)	Kokhrei Irakli (3Goals)	Sylvester Sindeh, David Njuko (4Goals)	Andre Scotti, Bobby Gonzales (13Goals)
06/07	Charles Obi (13Goals)	Charles Obi (3Goals)	Charles Obi (10Goals)	Charles Obi (26Goals)
05/06	Julio Cesar (9Goals)	Joey Gundok (1Goal)	Daddy Olicheh (2Goals)	Daddy Olicheh (10Goals)
2005	Julio Cesar (18Goals)	Julio Cesar (3Goals)	Julio Cesar (2Goals)	Julio Cesar (23Goals)
2004	Keith Gumbs (7Goals)	Josiah Seton (3Goals)	Keith Gumbs (3Goals)	Keith Gumbs (12Goals)
2003	Robert Gaspar (10Goals)	Zainizam Marjan (3Goals)	Keith Gumbs (9Goals)	Robert Gaspar (13Goals)
2002	Josiah Seton (13Goals)	Josiah Seton (6Goals)	Zainizam Marjan (6Goals)	Josiah Seton (24Goals)
2001	Shahrin Majid, Suharmin Yusuf (12Goals)	Suharmin Yusuf (3Goals)	Suharmin Yusuf, K.Sanbagamaran (2Goals)	Suharmin Yusuf (17Goals)
2000	Redzuan Khan (6Goals)	Rizal Awang, Asmawi Bakiri (1Goal)	Jaya Kassim (2Goals)	Redzuan Khan (6Goals)
1999	Henry Soimpon, David Rocastle (5Goals)	Jaya Kassim (3Goals)	Henry Soimpon, Jaya Kassim (2Goals)	Henry Soimpon (9Goals)
1998	David Rocastle, Jaya Kassim (4Goals)	Suharmin Yusuf, Jaya Kassim (3Goals)	Saphou Lassy (12Goals)	Saphou Lassy (12Goals)
1997	Scott Ollerenshaw (12Goals)	Vaselin Kovacevic (1Goal)	Milomir Seslija (3Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (14Goals)
1996	Scott Ollerenshaw (18Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (1Goal)	Scott Ollerenshaw (6Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (25Goals)
1995	Scott Ollerenshaw (22Goals)	Matlan Marjan (10Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (5Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (31Goals)
1994	Scott Ollerenshaw (23Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (4Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (7Goals)	Scott Ollerenshaw (34Goals)

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THIRD SPOT POSSIBLE

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah still stand a chance of finishing their season in third place in the Premier League.

Despite being held to a one-all draw by the newly crowned champions Police, the Rhinos are only two points behind third-placed Selangor PKNS – the team they will meet in their final fixture on July 31.

The Rhinos must win the tie and hope that fourth-placed Johor Pasir Gudang fumble at the hands of Shahzan Muda.

If that’s the case, Sabah will end their season behind Super League bound Police and UPB-MyTEAM.

After the one-all draw against Police on Tuesday, Sabah accumulated a total of 27 points, level with Johor PG, who are ahead on better goal average.

Selangor PKNS stay in third on 29 points, while Police lead the standings on 44 points, followed by UPB-MyTEAM (38).

“It was not a result that we wanted, but then again one point is better than nothing. We are now still in the race for the third spot and hopefully things will go our way in our final game,” said Rahman Zakaria.

“It is not always easy to play against a team who are newly crowned champions and in front of their fans, but I’m glad to see that our players did the best they could.

“We were without several players due to national team commitment, but those players playing on the night did a good job.

“It was a well balanced affair though. Even after they scored the equaliser, we still had enough chances to win the game, but unfortunately none of those chances found the net,” the Rhinos’ team manager added.

Bobby Gonzalez opened accounts for Sabah in the 40th minute before Michael Barasa equalised for Police in the 65th minute.

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RHINOS READY TO SPOIL COPS PARTY

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah are determined to spoil Police’s celebrations when they meet in a postponed Premier League first round tie at the MPS Stadium in Selayang tonight.

The newly crowned Premier League 2006/2007 season champions will be receiving their trophy tonight, but Sabah will give everything they’ve got in their arsenal.

Rahman Zakaria said that there is no reason for them to take the match lightly, especially when they are still in the fight to finish third in the League.

“We will try to win the game and if we do, our chances of finishing third will be bright,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“We know it is going to be a tough game despite the fact that Police have won the crown, but then again, I’m sure they would want to win this tie, especially on this special day for them.

“On our part, I can assure you that we will parade the best 11 we can and will give the best we can.

Sabah have a good record at the venue where they have won twice – 2-0 second round of the League and 4-3 in the Malaysia Cup challenge.

The only time Sabah lost to their opponents this season was in the second round of the League challenge where Sabah went down 2-1 at the Likas Stadium.

The only drawback for Sabah ahead of tonight’s clash is that they will be without two of their promising youngsters in goalkeeper Irwan Jamil and utility player Hardy Charles Parsi.

The duo are currently with the national Under-21 side playing friendly matches in Bangkok.

Sabah will also be without two of its imports – Prince Etuwe Eboagwa and Prince Ativie Guy, whose contracts have been terminated.

Rahman hinted that the rest of the players are fit for action.

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FA DROPS NIGERIA DUO

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA has terminated the services of two of its foreign players.

Nigerian duo Prince Etuwe Eboagwa’s and Prince Ativie Guy’s stay in the Land below the Wind has been cut short.

Defender Eboagwa was forced to part ways with the Rhinos after nursing a long-term injury, while striker Prince Ativie left the team after failing to land a new contract following the expiry of his short-term deal with the FA.

With the latest development, the duo’s countryman Charles Obi is the only foreign player left.

“We are looking for new foreign players and hopefully we will get the right men ahead of the next Premier League game or at least before the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals,” said Rahman Zakaria yesterday.

“Several players have attended trials, but so far we have yet to make up our mind because there will be more coming within the next few days.

“We have several Brazilians as well as Africans, but until we find the right men, the search will go on,” the Rhinos’ team manager added.

On Eboagwa’s fate, Rahman said that they decided to part ways through a mutual agreement.

“He is suffering an injury on his right foot and we were made to understand that it will take time to recover and that he will be out of action for at least one month or more.

“Even if he recovers in time for our Malaysia Cup quarter-final match against Negeri Sembilan, he won’t be ready as he has already been out of action for so long.

“We are sorry that he no longer can contribute to the team for the rest of the season, but that’s football. We would like to thank him for the contribution he has made to the team.”

As for Prince Ativie, Rahman said that they have decided to end their ties with the striker after the latter failed to show any kind of consistency in his game.

“He is a good player, but unfortunately he has failed to play up to our expectations. We need a player who can contribute more to the team.

“We would like to wish them all the best in their careers,” said Rahman.

Sabah failed in their bid to gain promotion to the Super League next season.

They are currently fifth in the 11-team standings behind Super League-bound Premier League leaders Police and UPB-MyTEAM. Selangor PKNS are third and Johor Pasir Gudang fourth.

Sabah’s remaining Premier League fixtures are against Police (July 3) and PKNS (July 31).

After the completion of the Premier League, Sabah will resume their Malaysia Cup challenge where they face Negeri Sembilan in the last eight.

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Third-place finish tough

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah maintained their fourth spot in the standings despite being held to a one-all draw by Shahzan Muda of Pahang on Tuesday.

However, they might still find it a mammoth task to end their season in third place behind the Super League-bound league leaders Police and UPB-MyTeam.

Sabah occupy the fourth spot on 26 points, leaving Selangor PKNS in fifth on better goal average.

Johor Pasir Gudang are ahead by one point to stay in third. However, the Rhinos have a one game advantage over both Johor PG and PKNS.

The Rhinos have a clear cut task to finish third and that is to win their remaining two matches away to Police on July 3 and PKNS, which will be the decider on July 31.

Failing to get maximum points could see the Rhinos ending their season as low as sixth placing.

Against Shahzan Muda, the Rhinos had all the chances to win the match, only to be denied by some poor finishing.

Instead they were stunned in the 34th minute when Abdulafees Abdulsalam netted the opener after capitalising on slack defending at the Rhinos’ backline.

But it was fortunate for the Rhinos as second-half substitute Bobby Gonzalez managed to score the equaliser in the 79th minute after coming on for the ineffective Salvester Sindeh.

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GONZALEZ SAVES SABAH’S BLUSHES

KOTA KINABALU: Bobby Gonzalez saved Sabah from the blushes as the Rhinos were held to a one-all draw by Shahzan Muda in a Premier League tie at the Likas Stadium last night.

The second-half substitute scored the equaliser for Sabah after Abdulafees Abdulsalam had put the visiting club side ahead in the first half.

Bobby, who came in for striker Salvester Sindeh in the 57th minute, poked the equaliser off a cross from Charles Obi.

Abdulafees stunned Sabah with his 34th minute strike after defeating two Sabah defenders before unleashing a shot from inside the box that defeated young Sabah custodian Irwan Jamil.

Despite having nothing to play for as promotion to the Super League has been decided, Sabah played their hearts out only to be denied by some poor finishing or rather lady luck seemed to shy away from them.

In fact they could have easily won the encounter with more clinical finishing.

The home side meant business right from the first whistle and could have taken a first minute lead.

The speedy Chow Chee Wing managed to outrun several Shahzan Muda players before his cross found the unmarked Obi, who was just outside the penalty box, but unfortunately the lanky Nigerian failed to take a shot as he failed to control the ball with a Shahzan Muda player challenging him.

After that, Sabah created numerous half-chances at the Shahzan Muda goal, but none found the net.

Instead they were penalised as some poor defending saw Abdulafees unleash a shot from close range to beat the hapless Irwan.

After the break, Sabah had an early raid at the Shahzan Muda goalmouth and again it was the lively Chow the contributor.

From the left, Chow managed to centre for Obi, but unfortunately Obi’s close-range attempt went wide.

In the 48th minute, Rosdin Wasli had already managed to connect a corner taken by Chow, but only to find it hitting the goalpost.

Then in the 66th minute, this time it was Chow who was denied from putting Sabah on level terms as his freekick from outside the box hit the cross-bar.

But Shahzan Muda could have extended their lead in the 70th minute when Abdulafees only had Irwan to beat, and fortunately for Sabah his shot was blocked by Irwan.

Three minutes later, this time Ahmad Tharmini Sabah denied Abdulafees from netting his second goal as the steady Sabah hard-man cleared the ball off the line.

And in the 79th minute, Sabah were not to be denied the equaliser when S. Sunder managed to send a superb ball for Obi who then centered it for Bobby to poke home.

A minute later, Obi shot wide from close range as Chow’s cross found him unmarked at the far post.

Towards the end, both teams had their chances to take the game, but only to be denied by poor finishing.

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Rhinos going all out to redeem themselves

KOTA KINABALU: Promotion may be already out of reach, but that will not deter Sabah from eyeing victory when they take on Shahzan Muda of Pahang in a Premier League tie at the Likas Stadium tonight.

Team manager Rahman Zakaria insists there is no reason for them to take the match lightly. “Everyone is disappointed. We are disappointed so are the players, but we have to realise that our battle is far from over.

“Although promotion is now out of our reach, but it doesn’t mean that we can take things easy.

“Our season is not over yet, and it is important for us to make the best possible finish in the league,” said Rahman.

“As we all know, football is a funny old game, and anything can still happen.

“But while we are disappointed for missing the promotion, but when we look at our overall performances, the team have done relatively well.

“For instance, in the FA Cup, we reached the quarter-finals, while now we are also in the last eight of the Malaysia Cup. And in the league we have a good chance of finishing the season in third.

“We have quite a young squad and given time, I’m sure we will put up a better show next time around.

Rahman also said that it is also important for them to try to play their best game as they need to start preparing for the Malaysia.

“This is our last chance to redeem ourselves. And it would not be easy as all those remaining in the competition are all from the Super League.

“Nevertheless, if we can fully focus on the Cup and play as a team, I’m sure we will not be there to make up the numbers, but as one of the contenders for the crown,” Rahman said.

Sabah have been pitted against Negeri Sembilan Naza in the quarter-finals where it has been slated for August.

For tonight’s clash, Rahman hinted that they will be at full strength.

However, the Rhinos’ chief coach Drago Mamic could be using the match to try the untested youngsters.

“No matter who the coach picks for the game, I’m very sure it will be the best squad,” said Rahman.

Rahman also urged the fans to come and support the team, as this will be their last league game of the season at home before concluding the league challenge playing two away fixtures against Police and Selangor PKNS.

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RHINOS EYEING MALAYSIA CUP

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s quest for promotion to the Super League next season has come to an end.

The Rhinos are now certain to feature in the Premier League for the third consecutive season. The Malaysia Cup is the only hardware available for them to fight for and to win it to end their season on a positive note.

The narrow 1-0 defeat to Johor Pasir Gudang in an away battle in the Premier League on Tuesday has killed off whatever hopes there were left for them after UPB-MyTEAM registered a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Kelantan on the same night.

What is left for Sabah to fight for is a third-place finish, which Selangor PKNS currently occupy. However, the club side has played one more game than fourth placed Sabah.

Police meanwhile is edging ever closer to the Premier League crown after notching a 3-1 win over KL Plus. They currently lead the pack in the 11-team standings on 40 points with three games to go.

Second-placed UPB-MyTeam is five points behind and is followed by PKNS on 26 and Sabah on 25 points. Both Police and the UPB-MyTEAM are assured of a place in the Super League next season.

In Tuesday night’s action, Johor’s Azlie Kidam struck the killer blow to what ever interest the Rhinos had of promotion when he scored the solitary goal of the night five minutes from regulation time at the Dato Hassan Yunus Stadium in Larkin.

The Rhinos were also shown the exit in the FA Cup after losing to Perlis in the quarter-finals on a 5-2 aggregate.

But Sabah can still redeem their pride in the Malaysia Cup.

But after having to suffer defeats in succession, it remains to be seen if they can bounce back in the country’s most oldest and prestigious competition where the dethroned Super League champion Negeri Sembilan NAZA await them in the quarter-finals.

Sabah will be playing the first leg of the quarter-finals, on an away match on August 8 and the return leg at the Likas Stadium which has been slated for August 15.

The final has been fixed for September 8.

Sabah next fixture is a Premier League home tie against Shahzan Muda on June 12.

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NOTHING TO LOSE

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos will not throw away whatever chances there are left for them to gain promotion to the Super League next season.

Rahman Zakaria said football is a funny old game and that anything can happen.

“There are another four matches to go, and nothing is over until the last game of the season,” the Rhinos’ team manager said ahead of their date with Johor Pasir Gudang at the Dato’ Hassan Yunus Stadium in Larkin tonight.

“We cannot put too much hope on gaining promotion, but it is important for us to do our part by trying to win our remaining matches … because you will never know.

Even if the Rhinos win all their remaining matches, it will still not be good enough for them to clinch one of the two promotion slots.

Police are only one point away from securing a place in the Super League next season as they are leading the 11-team Premier League standings on 37 points, followed by UPB-MyTEAM in second on 32.

Selangor PKNS occupy the third spot on 26 points, while Sabah who have a one-game advantage over the club side, are one point behind in fourth.

But Rahman said there is nothing to lose if they continue to soldier on with their fight – whether they make it or otherwise.

“I would like to reiterate that what matters most now is we win our remaining matches – only then will we look at other results, and whether we will make it is secondary as long as we have tried our best.

“Here I call on the players to give their fullest concentration on our remaining games and to try to give their level best in those games,” Rahman said.

On the match against Johor PG, Rahman said that it will be like any other game and that they have to play their hearts out in order to win the tie.

“It will not be an easy game, but as long as we can give our best, I’m convinced winning is something that we are capable of.

Sabah were shown the exit door by Perlis in a FA Cup quarter-final last week, but Rahman insisted that the FA Cup defeat will not demoralise the team.

“Spirit is still pretty much high in the team and I believe that the team is in the right frame of mind for the clash tomorrow,” said Rahman, who hinted that they will be at full strength to face Johor PG.

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FINAL FRONTIER

KOTA KINABALU: The prestigious Malaysia Cup competition will be the last place for Sabah to end their title drought, following their FA Cup exit on Tuesday.

Sabah were shown the exit door in the FA Cup after losing 5-2 on aggregate to Perlis in the quarter-finals.

After a two-all draw in the first leg, Sabah were trounced 3-0 in the return leg in Kangar with Phillemon Chepita netting a brace (32nd and 84th minutes), while Arzimi Azmi scored the other goal in the 51st minute.

The Premier League crown is also beyond their reach as they are trailing 12 points behind runaway leaders Police with four matches to go.

In the Premier League, Sabah currently stay in third on 25 points, while Police look set to claim the crown after accumulating 37 points and having a one-match advantage over both second-placed UPB-MyTEAM (32 points) and Sabah.

So the Malaysia Cup that has eluded them all this while, despite making three final appearances, will be Sabah’s last hurrah in the 2006-2007 season.

For the record, Sabah have not won any title since their Premier League triumph in 1996.

It will be a mammoth task for the Rhinos to claim their first title in more than a decade as they are the only Premier League side remaining in the competition that enters the knockout stage – the quarter-finals.

Unless they can get the better of the big boys of the Super League, then the Malaysia Cup will remain elusive at least for this season.

Sabah have been pitted against dethroned Super League champions Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the last eight.

While Sabah may not be having the best season in the Premier League, where they are almost certain to play in the lower division for the third consecutive season, Negeri Sembilan NAZA are no less different.

Not only have they surrendered the Super League crown, but they are also languishing third from bottom in the 13-team Super League.

But then again, the Malaysia Cup is a totally different ball game as it has its own magic where you can always expect surprises and the unexpected.

Besides the Sabah-Negeri Sembilan NAZA clash, the rest of the quarter-finals fixtures are Selangor-Terengganu, Kedah-Melaka and Perlis-Perak.

The first leg of the quarter-finals will be played on August 8 with the exception of the Kedah-Melaka tie which will be played a day later, while the return leg has been slated for August 15.

Sabah’s next game is an away tie to Johor PG in the Premier League challenge.

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