MENTALLY PREPARED

KOTA KINABALU: Drago Mamic said he now has a decent squad that can take on any team … anywhere!

The Rhinos head coach while disappointed for not being able to guide the team to promotion to the Super League next season, is happy to see the progress the team has made since he took over the hot seat in November last year.

The Croatian said that despite not getting promoted, the team has progressed tremendously. And he credits the youngsters, whom he described will be an asset for the team in the near future.

He said that these teen Rhinos not only progressed in terms of playing, but they are also mentally ready for any battle ahead, and that includes the Malaysia Cup semi-final clash against Perak on Saturday.

Among the youngsters that have been making the grade under Drago’s reign are Zulamri Muhamad, Azrul Ejati Damsah, Radzi Hussin, Hardy Charles Parsi and Irwan Jamil.

“Now things have changed”, said Drago before declaring that the team has now gained respect from the other teams.

“We have changed the mentality of the players. For three years, Sabah found it difficult to win any away matches. But now we don’t fear any teams … be it away or at home. In fact this season, we won more matches away than at home.

“(Despite not getting promoted) I think we have made a good job this year because if we gain entry to the Super League, we will not be there to make up the numbers, but to give a shot at the title,” he said.

Drago admitted it has been a difficult season for them, having had to start the season with only 12 players who are really ready to face the challenge. He pointed out that it has not been the best of a pre-season preparation for the team.

Fortunately, he said that the young players showed personality and character, and this is the reason they slowly merged into a decent team.

He then cited tight fixtures, suspensions to key players as well as injuries, as the reasons for their poor showing in the Premier League.

Drago said their situation was worsened when the Rhinos were victims of some dubious refereeing.

Furthermore, he added that having had to play in three competitions, the Premier League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup, doesn’t help their cause at all.

Unlike Kedah, Perak or Perlis, who have a big enough squad or rather quality to challenge for honours in all competitions, Drago said that Sabah just could not cope with with all the three competitions at the same time.

The Malaysia Cup is traditionally played after the completion of the Super League, Premier League and the FA Cup. But for this year and for the first time ever, it is being played in between the Super League, Premier League and FA Cup matches.

While not looking for any excuses, Drago said they lost the plot for the Premier League crown as early as the first round.

“We just don’t have enough quality in the team to challenge for honours in all competitions.

“But I’m delighted to see that the team keeps on improving and now we are in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.

“In fact we had a few chances to finish second in the Premier League, but after we progressed, injuries to our key players as well as suspensions, saw us squander the chance.

Drago insisted that now they are on level terms, with most of the top teams in the country including Perak, Perlis, Pahang or even the newly crowned Super League champion Kedah.

The first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final will be played at the Tawau Sports Complex field on Saturday with the return leg scheduled for September 4 in Ipoh. The final is on September 8 with the venue yet to be decided.

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RECORDS DON’T COUNT IN SEMIS

KOTA KINABALU: Drago Mamic has described the Rhinos chances at 40-60 at qualifying for the Malaysia Cup final.

The Croatian said in reality that is the scenario of his team’s chances of disposing Super League outfit Perak from the country’s most prestigious and oldest tournament.

“Actually, I can say that it is a 50-50 affair, but I must be realistic and that our chances are 40-60.

“However, in reality sometimes 40 is more than 60 because in football you never know.

“Sometimes a team can be complacent and try to underestimate their opponents where at the end of the day the underdogs win the game,” said Drago.

“In these two games, everything is possible. Perak are a strong side because if they can beat Perlis after they were trailing 2-0 in the first leg, it shows that they can beat anybody. I was told that Sabah have a good record (in the Malaysia Cup against Perak), but this time they are the stronger side. On our part, I hope we will minimise our mistakes.

When met at the Rhinos’ training ground at the Likas Stadium on Monday, he went on to say that their progression into the Malaysia Cup semi-finals is no fluke.

He then insisted they deserved to be in the last four of the country’s most prestigious and oldest competition.

“We are not here (semi-finals) because we are fortunate, we are here because we deserve it.

“Not any of the teams which made it into the semi-finals made it because they were fortunate.

“We have played 12 games … 10 in the group stages and two in the quarter-finals.”

Ironically, three of the four semi-finalists are from the same group in the preliminary stage.

Newly crowned Super League champions Kedah, Perak as well as Sabah also kicked off their campaign in Group C.

For the record, Kedah top the group on 20 points while Perak and Sabah are level on 18, but Perak stay in second on superior goal average.

While the top two teams earned automatic berths into the quarter-finals, Sabah on the other hand claimed their ticket by being the best third placed team in the four-group competition.

In the group stage, Sabah scored a slim 1-0 victory over Perak in the first round before being held to a scoreless draw in the second round.

But the Rhinos’ head coach refused to be drawn into Sabah’s positive results over their opponents in the group stage.

But Drago said: “That is history. We played Perak in February and we won 1-0 where in fact we could have scored more goals, but then again this (semi-final) will be different because no team would want to waste the chance to play in the final.”

Sabah booked their semi-final ticket after scoring a 3-2 aggregate victory over Negeri Sembilan NAZA, while Perak ousted reigning champions Perlis on a 5-4 aggregate victory.

To play against a top side like Perak, Drago said they need to be really optimistic about everything.

On their preparations, Drago said everything is going on smoothly.

He pointed out that they have enough days to prepare for the clash, unlike early in the season where sometimes they were forced to play seven games within the space of 24 days.

“The team are working very hard. We are working on all aspects of preparations … tactical and physical preparations.

“We have to be at our best because Perak are one of the best teams in the country. So we have to prepare for whatever consequences we are going to face.

“We will prepare ourselves offensively and defensively because in a game we sometimes need to answer to their attack.

On losing his captain Rosdin Wasli through suspension, Drago said: “He is a key player, but you know it is better this happens in the first leg rather than the second leg.”

“His absence is a big handicap for the team, but then again we are not a team which only look at one player to decide a game … so that is okay. Well some players have more quality and some players have less quality, but whoever is playing for the team must give his best shot.”

Overall Drago believes that they can achieve a good result, meaning Sabah will be in the final.

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UNDERDOGS TAG SUITS THE RHINOS

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos are happy to carry the underdogs tag when they take on Super League outfit Perak in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final at the Tawau Sports Complex on September 1.

Rahman Zakaria said they have no problem to walk into the battlefield as the underdogs having to face Perak.

“Having the slight homeground advantage will not make us the favourites. Perak are from the Super League and they finished second in the just concluded Super League behind eventual champions Kedah. They are the hot favourites,” said the Rhinos’ team manager.

Nevertheless, Rahman assured that they will not make life easy for the Silver State team by declaring they are ready for the big battle.

He said the players are all fired up and have pledged to give the Rhinos’ fans something to cheer for at the end of the day.

“Our preparations have been going on smoothly. I can see that the players are very much in the mood to give it a good shot in this first leg. Hopefully, things will go our way on the night.

Rahman said with the exception of skipper Rosdin Wasli, the rest of the players will be there for options.

Rosdin will miss the first leg after collecting his second yellow card in the 3-1 victory over Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the return leg of the quarter-final.

The midfielder will serve his automatic one-match suspension and would be available for the return leg on September 4.

Despite not having Rosdin for the clash, Rahman said there is nothing to worry about as head coach Drago Mamic has his game plan ready.

“We have adequate replacements for Rosdin. In fact we have won without him in the squad before.

“It would be great if he is available, but even without him, we still have a decent team to mount our challenge.

“Our coach has been working very hard to prepare the team, and I can see that he has a winning recipe,” said Rahman.

With Rosdin out, the Croatian coach is likely to make a minor reshuffle to his first team with the young Hardy Charles Parsi seen as one of the several options that would likely come in for Rosdin.

Drago could also make a little bit of a shake up in the players’ positioning following the return of fit-again defender Ahmad Tharmini Saiban.

Against Negeri Sembilan NAZA, Ahmad Tharmini did not start the game as he was not 100 per cent fit, but did feature in the victory late in the game coming in for Mohd Munir Amran.

With him around, Sabah will have a solid defence for the Perak clash.

Ahmad will have Bosnian Dragic Dalidor, Ronny Harun and possibly Munir to team up at the Rhinos’ backline.

Drago also has other options of playing Rezuan Radzy or L. Suresh at the backline.

This time around, Chow Chee Wing would have a greater role in the heart of the Rhinos’ midfield as Drago is expected to stick to his two youngsters – Tawau-born Zulamri Muhammad and the speedy Azrul Ejati Damsah – either Hardy Charles Parsi or Zainizam Marjan rather than the experienced Henry Soimpon could come in for the suspended Rosdin to form the four-man midfield.

While Charles Obi and new signing Felisberto de Oliveira Freira Jr, who netted a double in his home debut against Negeri Sembilan NAZA, the duo will spearhead the Rhinos’ attack.

And the Tawau fans will have something extra to cheer for as they will see another Tawau-born lad in Irwan Jamil likely to be the Rhinos’ No 1 ball stopper.

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ANIFAH CONFIDENT

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah may be the only Premier League outfit left to challenge for honours in the Malaysia Cup – but that will not make them bow too easily to their Super League opponents.

Even Sabah FA President Datuk Anifah Aman believes they have what it takes to humble their more fancied opponents, starting with a semi-final date with Perak on September 1. However, Anifah admits that this is not going to be an easy battle, and predicts that the finalists will be decided in the return leg on September 4. “Perak are not easy opponents. We have met them quite a number of times at the same stage in the past (the same competition). We know how difficult things could be, but we will take one game at a time and try to gain as much advantage in this first leg.

“So I hope the Tawau fans can give us a helping hand and help cheer the team to victory. “They were great during our quarter-final clash against Negeri Sembilan NAZA and I would like to say a big thank you. I hope they would give the same kind of support to the team on September 1.

To the Rhinos, Anifah said: “I’m not going to give them any additional pressure, but the only thing I want from all of them is to play to their best ability.” “I hope they can win the game for the fans in Tawau who have been marvellous. “We all know this will be a tough game because we are playing against a team from the Super League, who finished second this season. “But as long as we play to our true colours and play as a unit, there is always a chance for us to spring a surprise over a more fancied team like Perak. So my advice to the players is to play their best game.”

Furthermore, Anifah added that this is also an opportunity for the team to redeem themselves after failing to make the grade in the Premier League challenge by finishing the season in a disappointing sixth placing in the 11-team standings. Unlike in the Premier League where the Rhinos’ performances have been like a yo-yo, but in the Malaysia Cup, they have been doing great. Not many expected them to reach the semi-finals in the competition, having been drawn alongside the likes of newly crowned Super League champions Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Sarawak and Premier League champions Police in the group stage©.

But Sabah proved the critics wrong and booked themselves a place in the quarter-finals after finishing third behind Kedah and Perak. Kedah topped the group on 20 points, while Perak and Sabah were level on 18, but Perak stayed in second on a better goal average. Sabah made it to the last eight by being one of the best two third-placed teams in the four-group competition. In the quarter-finals, they ousted Negeri Sembilan NAZA.

Despite trailing after losing the first leg encounter 1-0, Sabah bounced back by chalking up a 3-1 victory to eventually march into the last four on a 3-2 aggregate victory.

The semi-final date with Perak will be the Rhinos’ final home game at the newly completed RM69 million Tawau Sports Complex, instead of their usual hunting ground – the Likas Stadium.

While they may be seen as the underdogs against the more fancied Super League outfit, but based on paper, this is a match that could go either way, at least if we are to look at their previous meetings during the group stage.

For the record – in the group stage – the Rhinos hold the upper hand over their opponents – winning 1-0 at home, before being held to a one-all draw in the return leg tie.

But it has always been a different scenario when you are in the semi-finals. Fortunately, being in the last four is not uncharted territory for Sabah, as this will be their fourth semi-final appearance in six years. The last time they made it into the semi-finals was in 2004, while in 2002 and 2003, they were the losing finalists. In 2005 and 2006, Sabah failed to make it past the group stage.

This time around, Anifah wants the team to continue with their fairy tale run and eventually lift the trophy that has been eluding them all this while.

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THANK YOU TAWAU FANS

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria salutes the Tawau fans by describing them as amazing for the overwhelming support they have given to the Rhinos in their 3-1 victory over Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the return leg tie of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The well-deserved victory eventually saw the Rhinos march into the semi-finals after registering a 3-2 aggregate victory over their Super League opponents, who had won the first leg encounter 1-0 last week.

The undivided support from the fans right from the start of the game until the end saw the Rhinos clinch their last four ticket in injury time with Nigerian striker Charles Obi netted the winner.

But if not for the support from the fans, things could have gone otherwise, as with only two minutes remaining in regulation time, it was Negeri Sembilan NAZA that held the upper hand after Julius Orisrseweyinmi Ejueyitsi reduced the deficit for the visitors.

If the scoreline stayed, Negeri Sembilan NAZA could have turned out to be the victors on the away goals rule.

Brazilian Felisberto De Oliveira Jr put the Rhinos in front with two fine goals, with the first coming in the 42nd minute of the game before heading home the second in the 82nd minute.

The match played at the newly completed RM69 million Tawau Sports Complex field was packed to its capacity with the fans coming in as early as 6pm for the clash that only kicked off at 8.45pm.

For the record, tickets for the game (9,000) were sold out as early as at 2pm on match day, with thousands of fans crying for more tickets.

However, if the semi-final match is to be played at the same venue, New Sabah Times Sport learnt that more tickets will be on offer as the organiser of the historical match – the Safa Tawau Zone – believes the complex can accommodate more than just 9,000. They are looking at 15,000.

“On behalf of the Sabah FA, the team management and the players, I would like to say a big thank you to all the fans who turned up for the clash. You people are magnificent, and it is our great pleasure to dedicate this victory to the people of Tawau,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“Even when we were down, the fans never gave up their support, and thus this has helped the players mentally on the battlefield. I hope the first leg tie of the semi-finals will also be held in Tawau,” he added.

Commenting on the game, Rahman said: “It was a great game. The atmosphere was electrifying. The fans were seen flying the State flag with pride all around the field. I mean this is the kind of atmosphere we need.”

On their entry into the last four, Rahman said that he hoped the players would not feel that they were minors among the four semi-finalists.

“We are the only Premier League outfit to survive in the competition. Nevertheless, I hope the players will not look down on themselves. Now what we or they need to do is to stay positive and focus on our next battle,” Rahman said.

“Overall, I think everyone of them played their hearts out and with full commitment and dedication. Our Head Coach (Drago Mamic) has done a good job too and I’m really happy to see that the players were able to execute his game plan.”

The last time Sabah made it into the last four was back in 2004. They were also the losing finalists in 2003 and 2002 as well as in 1996.

But this time around, Rahman hopes that they will be in their fourth final appearance with an eye on the title.

However, before anything materialises, the Rhinos would have to overcome Perak – their semi-final opponents – before taking a shot at the elusive Malaysia Cup crown for the fourth time.

Perak marched into the last four after registering a 5-3 aggregate victory over Perlis, who squandered a two-goal first leg lead.

The other semi-final will see Kedah take on Terengganu. Kedah booked their final ticket with victory over Melaka while Terengganu got the better of Selangor.

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RHINOS IN SEMIS

TAWAU: Nigerian striker Charles Obi turned hero for his side when his injury-time goal helped Sabah to chalk up a 3-1 victory over Negeri Sembilan NAZA to eventually book a place in a Malaysia Cup semi-finals.

The Rhinos marched into the last four after registering a 4-2 aggregate victory over their opponent, who won the first leg encounter 1-0 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.

Rhinos now will meet Perak, who won 5-3 on aggregate over Perlis. The Northern Lions failed to hold on to their two-goal first leg lead when they were trounced 5-1 by the marauding Silver State team.

The well-deserved victory will see Sabah’s hunt for their first silverware in about a decade to continue. Playing in front of a capacity crowd of about 10, 000 at the newly completed RM69m sports complex, Sabah showed no mercy to their opponent as they took a first half lead.

It was the new signing Brazilian striker Felisberto De Oliveira Jr that sent the crowd into a frenzy when scored from a grounder three minutes before the first half break which gave no chance for the NS NAZA custodian Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin.

Earlier on, Tengku Qayyum Ubaidillah could have stunned the homesters in the 22nd minute but fortunately for Sabah, Rezuan Muhammad Radzy was there to clear Tengku’s header off the line.

Then in the 31st minute, Obi had his first shot at NS NAZA goal, but his close range grounder went straight into the keeper’s arms. Two minutes later, NS NAZA’s Ching Hong Aik saw his close range effort just fly above the cross bar.

The much-needed goal finally came for Sabah when Felisberto unleashed a powerful grounder from just outside the penalty box that went straight into the back of the net for Sabah to take a 1-0 lead at half time.

With eight minutes remaining into regulation time, Felisberto struck for the second time when his header, off a pass from Chow Chee Wing, went straight into the back of the net.

But with two minutes remaining Julius Orisrseweyinmi Ejueyitsi silenced the home fans when he helped the visitors reduce the deficit after capitalising on a blunder at the Rhinos back line.

But the Rhinos were full of fighting spirit and were not to be denied of a place in the last four. Obi struck the winning goal in injury time after receiving a pass from Chow Chee Wing before easily slotting home from close range.

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ALL GUNS BLAZING

KOTA KINABALU: An all out attack will be the name of the game as Sabah fight for survival in the prestigious Malaysia Cup competition.

Tonight they face Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the quarter-finals return leg tie at the Tawau Sports Complex field needing to overcome a one-goal deficit following their first leg defeat last week.

The match kicks off at 8.45pm.

The Malaysia Cup is Sabah’s only hope left (of winning silverware) after being shown the exit door in the last eight of the FA Cup challenge and finishing sixth in the Premier League campaign.

Despite playing at an unfamiliar hunting ground after switching their home venue from the usual Likas Stadium to the Tawau Sports Complex field, the Rhinos will stop at nothing to gain entry into the next stage of the tournament.

Even Rahman Zakaria predicts that it is going to be a fiery encounter as they are not willing to end their season empty handed yet again.

While the Rhinos’ team manager does not want to be seen as over confident, but he believes they have what it takes to turn the table around on their opponents.

He said what is important is for the team to execute the head coach Drago Mamic’s game plan.

If they can do that, he believes they stand a good chance of winning the do-or-die battle.

Rahman also warns the players from being under any kind of pressure.

He said despite the fact that it is a must win tie, it is not necessary for the players to be in such a state.

“We all know this is a crucial game … not only for us but for Negeri Sembilan NAZA too. But I think we will go into the game as underdogs because as you can see, they are a Super League side. Furthermore they are holding a one-goal cushion.

“The pressure is on them so there is no point for us to put ourselves under any kind of pressure. We have nothing to lose and there is no harm for us to give it a good shot,” said Rahman while wanting the team to concentrate fully on the game.

He also urged the players to play their hearts out and to try to win the game and prove that they have the mettle to compete at this level of competition.

“The coach has his own game plan and it is important for the team to execute it properly,” added Rahman.

Croatian Drago is likely to stick to his twin foreign strikers in the Rhinos’ attack with Charles Obi and Brazilian Felisberto de Oliveira Freira Jr.

While in midfield, skipper Rosdin Wasli and youngster Hardy Charles Parsi would be in the middle of the park with Chow Chee Wing on the right and P. Rajesh on the left.

New Bosnian signing Dragic Dalidor will give the Rhinos that extra muscle at the backline with the ever reliable Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, R. Suresh and Mohd Munir Amran all likely to start alongside the former at the back.

Youngster Irwan Jamil will again be the number one ball stopper.

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RARE TREAT FOR TAWAU FANS

KOTA KINABALU: Tawau football fans will be in for a treat when the Rhinos face Negeri Sembilan NAZA in a do-or-die battle on Wednesday.

The match to be played at the newly completed Tawau Sports Complex field is believed to be one of the biggest matches being held there.

The Malaysia Cup quarter-final return leg clash is expected to be an explosive affair, especially when the Rhinos will be out to overturn their one-goal deficit following their first leg defeat last week.

This will make this clash one that is not to be missed, especially among the football fans in Tawau and its surrounding areas, as this is a rare chance for them to see a match of this level being held outside the State Capital.

Yesterday, Rahman Zakaria echoed the move by the Sabah FA President Datuk Anifah Aman in urging the football fans in the district to come out in full force to witness this so-called historical event.

Rahman said a capacity crowd at the estimated 10,000 capacity complex will surely help the team.

“This is the only competition that we have not won, and since we are pretty much still in the race for a place in the semi-finals, I really hope for an all-out turnout from the Tawau fans. Their support will surely be crucial for the team,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“We certainly need their (fans) attendance as it could help instill greater spirit, determination and commitment among our players.

“So, I really hope the fans in Tawau and its surrounding areas, such as Lahad Datu and Semporna come and support the team.

“Although we may be trailing by one goal, I believe that we have a chance to claim one of the semi-final slots.

On the Rhinos switching of their hunting ground from the Likas Stadium to the Tawau Sports Complex field, Rahman said that it does not bother him or the team.

He added that it makes no difference as they will still be playing a home game.

“What is important,” Rahman said is that they must try to capitalise on their slight homeground advantage to gun down their opponents.

The Rhinos were forced to shift out from their usual home venue – the Likas Stadium – after a switchbox at the Likas Stadium was damaged sometime ago.

“It’s true we have to play our match at the Tawau Sports Complex, but as far as we are concerned it is still the same for us. It makes no difference whether we are playing at the Likas Stadium or the Tawau Sports Complex because it is still a home game, and hopefully the newly completed Tawau Sports Complex will bring us some luck,” said Rahman.

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Anifah calls for fan support in decider

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Anifah Aman has called on the Rhinos’ fans in Tawau to turn up in full force when Sabah take on Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the return leg tie of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Rhinos, who have been forced out from their favourite hunting ground – the Likas Stadium – due to a damaged switchbox (at the stadium) – will play the do-or-die battle at the Tawau Sports Complex field.

“I’m glad that we are able to play the match in Tawau. In fact I’m very happy, because this is an opportunity for the soccer fraternity in Tawau to see their beloved team in action,” the Sabah FA President said.

“In fact this is a blessing in disguise on our part. As much as we want the match to be played at the Likas Stadium, but since it is quite costly for us to hold the match there (Likas), so we thought this is an opportunity for us to bring the game to Tawau.

“This will be one of the biggest games ever held in Tawau. This is the country’s most prestigious competition and I hope the fans will not miss the opportunity. I really hope the fans will come in full force to support the State team.

“All this while Tawau has never let us down, and this time I’m expecting no difference this time around,” Anifah added.

“I’m really looking forward not only to the match, but also for a good turnout. We got to admit the fact that the good turnout from the fans would surely help the team.

“Their support can help instill greater fighting spirit as well as determination among the players.

The capacity at the Tawau Sports Complex field is estimated at 10,000 and Anifah wants to see a capacity crowd on Wednesday.

“Let all of us become the 12th member of the team on Wednesday. And we can do that; I’m pretty convinced we will get the desired result at the end of the day.

Sabah are currently trailing 1-0 following their first leg defeat last Wednesday, but Anifah believes the team have the capability to turn the table around in Tawau.

“One goal is not a big margin, and I’m quietly confident we will be able overcome the deficit.

To the Rhinos, Anifah said that they have to play with their guts and do it wholeheartedly.

“This is no room for any half-hearted players in the team. They have to go all out and do it as a team.

“All what I ask from them (the players) is to try and play their best game to entertain the fans in Tawau,” said Anifah.

Meanwhile, the Sabah FA Executive Secretary Harry Baking said that they have been given the green light to stage the match in Tawau.

“The FA of Malaysia’s representative has inspected the venue and he has given us the green light to hold the match in Tawau,” said Harry.

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Minor setback for Rhinos

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos suffered a minor setback as they may be forced out from their hunting ground, the Likas Stadium, for their Malaysia Cup quarter-finals return leg clash against Negeri Sembilan NAZA on Wednesday.

The Sabah FA Executive Secretary Harry Baking said that there is a big possibility of the Rhinos switching their home venue (for the game) to the newly completed Tawau Sports Complex field.

Harry is currently with an official from the FA of Malaysia inspecting the Tawau Sports Complex. He hinted that while there may not be any major problems with certain aspects of the spanking new complex, including security.

What FAM wants to know is whether the floodlights are adequate to hold the match. At press time, nothing was finalised, as the FAM official was to check on the floodlights (last night).

If Tawau fail to get the green light, then the Sabah FA’s next likely destination is Labuan.

Harry went on to say that the reason in looking for a new venue is because it is too costly for them to stage the match at the Likas Stadium after the switch box (electricity box) was damaged.

“We were made to understand that the switch box was damaged sometime in June. However, the Sports Board is still waiting for the compensation from an insurance company.

“Until the switch box is repaired, it is too expensive for us to hold matches there.

“This is because without the switch box, there will be no electricity supply, so if we want to play there, we have to use the generators. And to do that it will cost us between RM18, 000 to RM20, 000. This is because they will have to use the generator sets for like three days,” he added.

But if both Tawau and Labuan does not satisfy FAM’s requirements, then there is nothing the FA can do but to fork out RM20, 000.

Harry said that while the cost to bring the squad to Tawau or stage the game in Tawau or Labuan will be around the RM20, 000, they believe that they will get good support from the fans there.

“Meaning to say, if the response we receive is good here, which we are positive, it will at least help us compliment our cost.

“Furthermore, this would also be an opportunity for the Rhinos fans outside the State capital to witness their beloved team in action,” said Harry.

Sabah is currently trailing 1-0 following their defeat (1-0) in the first leg last week.

If they can overcome the deficit, they will march into the semi-final where either Perak or Perlis are their possible opponent.

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DOWN BUT NOT OUT

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah may be down, but they are not out!

They refuse to throw in the towel just yet, not when they know pretty well that there is another 90 minutes to settle things once and for all.

Despite losing the first leg encounter, they believe they can recover from the defeat and eventually march into the next stage of the tournament.

The Rhinos went down 1-0 to Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium on Wednesday, no thanks to Marian Juhas’ 53rd minute strike.

Even Rahman Zakaria believes they have an open chance to claim a place in the semi-finals.

He insisted that the battle is far from over and that they are still very much in the race for a place in the last four.

The Rhinos’ team manager believes his charges have what it takes to turn the table on the same opponents when they meet in the return leg tie in six days time.

“I have the confidence in the players. I firmly believe that they can do it. They have shown it in the first leg encounter and with a little bit of luck, I’m pretty sure, we will go one step further in this prestigious and oldest competition in the country,” Rahman said.

“What we need for the return leg tie is a big crowd to help spur the players. We really need that extra support from the fans. Their presence will surely help the team play better with more confidence and spirit.

“Although, we failed to gain anything from the first leg, but I can see the burning desire among the players that they want to go further in the competition.

“We are all frustrated and disappointed for not being able to do the job in Negeri Sembilan, and I can understand their (players) feeling because they have tried their best and shown some convincing stuff throughout the game.

“They played really well and we had the possession for like 90 per cent of the game. We also created enough chances to take the game into our hands.

“I can say that it was our game all along. We created like five or six scoring chances but unfortunately we failed to finish any of them off.

“Obi (Charles) and Dragic (Dalidor) were among those presented with goal-scoring opportunities.

“In one instance, Obi had an open goal at his expense, but he shot wide. On another day he could have easily put that chance behind the net. I think lady luck just shied away from us on the night.

“But as the saying goes, there is no point of crying over spilt milk, because what is important now is to prepare ourselves for the return leg and do the talking on the battlefield.”

Sabah will meet Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the return leg on August 15 at the Likas Stadium.

If they can get the better of their opponents (Aug 15), they will face either Perlis or Perak in the last four.

Perlis are holding a two-goal cushion after their first leg victory in Kangar.

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Rhinos gunning for comfortable cushion

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos are gunning for a comfortable cushion when they take on Negeri Sembilan NAZA in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.

Rahman Zakaria said they would try not to return home empty-handed from the tie to be played at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi tonight.

While predicting that the match is going to be a tough one, the Rhinos’ team manager believes the team have what it takes to gain an advantage for the return leg on August 15 at the Likas Stadium.

“This is a game that we can win, but we need to really focus on it. We have to fully concentrate for the entire game and if we do that I’m quite optimistic we will get the much needed advantage for the return leg,” said Rahman, when contacted in Paroi yesterday.

He went on to say that the Malaysia Cup is a totally different ball game than the Premier League or the FA Cup.

“We have always risen to the occasion in this competition.

“Furthermore, this is the oldest competition in the country and we will certainly not want to waste the opportunity to go further in the competition.

“The players know what is ahead of them, and they also know the challenges ahead of them,” Rahman said.

“The team trained pretty hard for the past few weeks and I’m happy to note that they are in fine shape and really looking forward to the clash.

“The coach (Drago Mamic) has his game plan and as long as the players can execute them on the battlefield, our chances of winning the battle will be as good as our opponents,” said Rahman.

On Negeri Sembilan’s 7-0 drubbing by newly crowned Super League champions Kedah recently, Rahman said that is not an excuse for them to take them (NS Naza) for granted.

“You see after the thrashing … they came back and managed to hold Johor FC to a one-all draw. “Furthermore, like what I have just said, this tournament is a different ball game and has it owns magic.

“And if we want to go further, the only thing that we need to do is to give our best and play as a team,” he added.

Rahman also said that they will be at full strength to face NS NAZA with the exception of Munir Amran and Henry Parsi.

Munir will be serving his automatic one-match suspension for his red card offence against Selangor PKNS, while Henry is with the National Under-23 squad.

Rahman also hopes that striker in chief Charles Obi will continue with his scoring feat.

In their last game (against PKNS), the Nigerian striker netted a brace. However, his two-goal feat failed to help 10-man Sabah settle for at least a draw after they were edged by PKNS 3-2 in their final Premier League tie.

And the Rhinos will also be strengthened by the presence of new signings Brazilian striker Felisberto de Oliveira Freira Jr and Bosnian defender Dragic Dalidor.

The duo made their debut in the defeat to PKNS.

Sabah marched into the quarter-finals after finishing among the two best third placed teams in the four-group competition.

They finished behind Kedah and Perak, while NS Naza topped Group B.

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