Safa call on FAM to look into postponement

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FA secretary general, Alfred Lojiton has called on the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) to look into the postponement of the Sabah-Police Premier League clash.

This is in the wake of a national newspaper, Berita Harian report revealing that there could be other agenda behind the postponement.

"It would be a wise thing for the FAM to find out the truth behind all this.

If it is true that there is no work being done then I see no reason why the match should have been postponed, he said.

"If the report is true of course we will be very upset because the match was postponed for no reason, said Lojitan on Tuesday.

"And furthermore it is not good for the league itself when a particular team receives different treatment from the other.

"If the FAM is to have double standards in their ruling or decision, I don't think it will do the sport good.

"It is our humble call to ask the FAM to thoroughly look into the newspaper report because this little thing cannot go on and affect the development of the league.

"At the same time, we would also be requesting our President Datuk Anifah Aman, who is one of the Vice Presidents (of FAM) to bring the matter up to the FAM.

The match that was initially scheduled for March 23 at the MPS Stadium was postponed following a request by Police, who produced a letter from the Majlis Perbandaran Selayang to the FA of Malaysia stating that the venue will be under repair during the match day.

In the letter it stated that the stadium would be closed for some drainage works from March 21-25.

However a check by the said newspaper (Berita Harian) on Sunday found that there were no repair work done and thus this gave an indication that something was going on.

The FAM regulations clearly states that any request for postponement must be made 14 days before match day.

Another factor to take into account is the mutual agreement between the two teams.

The said newspaper then went on to assume that the postponement was made on the request from the sponsor of the Police team who refused to play following the absence of one of its import players from Kenya, Benedict Changi, who flew home to play for his country's Olympic squad. The said newspaper also quoted FAM Secretary General Datuk Dr Seri Ibrahim Saad as saying that the postponement was made two days before match day as they have no choice following a letter from the MPS.

"We did not postpone the match on purpose. The Police team management informed us about the MPS plan to do some drainage works on the stadium.

"And because there is no stadium available around Klang Valley, we had no choice but to postpone the match. For the record, the match has been rescheduled for May 7."

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LAST-8 BERTH UP FOR GRABS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be banking on its latest signing in Ijiebor Ativie Prince Guy when they take on Johor FC in the second round of the FA Cup at the Tan Sri Dato Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium, Larkin tonight.

The 20-year-old Nigerian attacking player is very likely to make his debut after getting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) in time for the clash.

“He is free to play, but then again it is up to the coach to decide whether he would start for the team,” said Sabah FA executive secretary Harry Baking, who confirmed that they have received Ijiebor’s ITC.

Ijiebor was signed to replace Poland striker Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski, who left the team on a mutual agreement with the FA.

He is the third Nigerian in the team after striker-in-chief Charles Obi and defender Prince Eboagwa Etuwe.

Ijiebor, who made his overseas debut by playing for a club in the Vietnam League for the 2005-2006 season prior to his arrival in the Land Below the Wind, is expected to spearhead the Rhinos’ attack together with Obi as he was among the Rhinos’ 17-member squad that left for Johor yesterday.

Besides being boosted with the presence of Ijiebor, Sabah would also be strengthened by the return of Ahmad Tharmini Saiban for the clash.

The defender who has fully recovered from injury, is set to be back into the first team. However, Sabah will be without its first choice goalkeeper G. Jeevanatham as he was not among the travelling Rhinos.

So youngsters Irwan Jamil or Harold John will start the game, with Irwan likely to get the nod.

With the exception of the introduction of Ijiebor and Irwan likely to be the Rhinos’ last man, any other changes are unlikely.

“It is our hope to make it into the next round. Last season, we fumbled at the first round, but this time, we want to go beyond the quarter-finals,” said team manager Rahman Zakaria.

“All our players are available for the clash and in this sense we will be having our best squad for the clash.

“This is a do-or-die battle not only for us, but also for our opponents because there won’t be any second leg. So there is certainly no room for error and I can say that the team that makes lesser mistakes will win the game.

“However, I am confident the team will deliver as they have been training very hard during the break,” said Rahman.

Sabah booked their second round ticket after defeating Melaka 2-1 in the first round.

Six second round matches will be played tonight including the Johor FC-Sabah clash while another two matches – Shahzan Muda-Kuala Muda Naza and Johor PG-Kelantan – were played last night.

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Rhinos gunning for victory

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will be gunning for victory when they meet Johor FC in their FA Cup second round clash at J-Corp Stadium in Johor, Tuesday.

Manager Rahman Zakaria said the players are all raring to don their soccer boots and prove the 2-1 win over Malacca in the first round encounter at home recently was no fluke.

The win, he said has given a breath of confidence to the Rhino players to erase the bitter memory of being shown the exit in the first round last season.

"We are ready to face Johor FC and I hope we can move one step further to qualify for the FA Cup quarter-finals," he said when contacted on Monday.

The manager said he believes his charges would be able to deliver during the away game today (Tuesday).

He said based on the players' spirit and determination, the fans can hope to see good football forthcoming from his outfit that he described as being fit for any given match.

The Rhinos have won the FA Cup only once in the history of the decades-old tournament under the helm of coach Kelly Tham when they beat Pahang 3-1 in the finals in 1995.

"I hope our players will give 100 per cent to the game and I strongly believe they will be able to deliver," he said.

While Rahman declined to name the players for the Tuesday clash, it was learnt that Polish midfielder Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski or better known as "Eric" would most likely be axed from the team.

However, so far there hasn't been any hints from the state's football governing body, Sabah FA (Safa), to acquire a new foreign import.

The manager, who is an officer with the Road Transport Department (RTD), nevertheless, said the players are all ready to face Johor FC.

"Even though we cannot assess our opponent's strength and strategy, our team is not daunted.

"They are all set for the competition and will be playing to win," he said.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has changed the FA Cup format to a knockout system unlike the previous two leg system.

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Rhinos eager for revenge

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will not give in too easily to Police in the Premier League match at the Selayang MC Stadium on Friday night (tonight).

The Rhinos who were defeated 1-2 by the same team last weekend in the Malaysia Cup league match, aim to steal the limelight and all three points from the home team.

Sabah are currently placed tenth in the standings with seven points after one win, four draws and two defeats while Police have collected sixteen points and are placed second behind leaders UPB My Team who have seventeen points.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said the players were unanimous in their resolve to win the game in a big way.

"It will be an all out affair in the match tomorrow," he said, adding, nevertheless, despite the mission they are not, in any circumstances, pressured at all.

He said Police may be a strong team in the league but that would not deter the players from giving their best in the game.

Their strategy, Rahman said, is to score an early goal to build up the Rhinos confidence as the match progresses.

"Our opponents are a good team but that doesn't mean we are going to give up easily especially after losing to them at home last weekend," he added.

He said all departments, have been instructed to plug the holes and to ensure that they emerge as the winner.

Rahman revealed for example goalkeeper G. Jeevanathan has been told to forget about last week's match and to concentrate more on the match.

"He (Jeeva) had made a blunder while playing at home, and that is why he has to prove to everyone that he is capable of manning the posts and show everyone that he is the number one keeper for Sabah," he pointed out.

"Over the last few days, the players have undergone some gruelling training sessions under coach Drago (Mamic)," he said.

"Although there will be no changes in the line-up the strategy will be a bit different compared to the previous match against Police last weekend," he said.

Sabah's probable line-up: G. Jeevanathan, Burhan Ajui, Prince Eboagwu Etuew, Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Zainizam Marjan and Julamri Muhammad.

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Police edge Rhinos 2-1

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah failed to maintain their winning streak after losing 1-2 to Police in the Group C Malaysia Cup match here at the Likas Stadium on Saturday night.

The Rhinos started off aggressively against the visitors but failed to maintain their momentum leaving the Police to score the opening goal in the 10th minute through striker Bernard Sichangi Mwalala.

Sabah however managed to equalise after hitman Charles Obi scored the Rhinos' only goal in the 18th minute after connecting a pass from Zainizam Marjan from the inside box.

However, Police got the better side of the game, when Bernard Sichangi scored their winning goal in the 38th after Sabah goalkeeper G. Jeevanathan made a blunder. Instead of catching the ball, he kicked and it deflected in front of Bernard.

Jeev Awas then replaced by second keeper, Irwan Jamil right after the breather.

Earlier in the game, Zainizam had a chance to give Sabah the lead but his weak shot was saved by Police goalie Sani Anuar B. Kamsani.

In the 20th minute Obi wasted another opportunity when his powerful shot went inches over the bar.

Four minutes late, Zainizam again had another opportunity but his attempt was saved by Sani.

In the 40th minute, skipper Chow Chee Wing almost levelled the score but Police keeper Sani was on his toes to push the ball away.

After the breather, the Rhinos came out fighting and almost scored another goal through Zainizam but his attempt again was foiled by the keeper.

With only 13 minutes left to play, Sabah went all out to equalise with Obi and Ronny Harun leading the charge but the Police defence stood firm to ensure their trip to the Likas Stadium paid dividend.

Sabah's next return match will be on March 23 against Police in the Premier League tie.

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Rhinos out to prove critics wrong

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will be out to prove the critics wrong when they play host to Police in a Group C Malaysia Cup challenge here at the Likas Stadium tonight (Saturday).

The Rhinos who have suffered the agony of losing their lead in the dying minutes of almost every match they have played are out to show that they are a much improved side now.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said they will win the three crucial points when they take on the Police.

Sabah who are currently leading Group C with 10 points will be out to continue their unbeaten streak since the campaign started last month.

"I am optimistic about securing a win against Police," he said, adding, "we will be playing at home and that gives me and the team confidence to deliver."

"I just hope they would maintain their form and momentum of play as these are the main keys to success," Rahman added.

Over the last few days, the players have undergone some gruelling training sessions under coach Drago (Mamic), he said.

"Although there will be no changes in the line-up the strategy will be a bit different compared to the last match against Pahang last weekend, " he said.

He said since the team started winning matches, starting with Perak and Sarawak, all the players have shown strong commitment and that their morale is at a peak.

"All of them (players) are now more confident and eager to deliver all the points," he said, adding, "with attitudes like that there should be no problems when we enter the second round next week." "From now on I just hope the players will not be over confident," he added.

Sabah's probable line-up: Ronny Harun, Jeevanathan a/l Gunasekaran (GK), Sylvester Sindih, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Henry Parsi and Bobby Gonzales.

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Be more aggressive, says Rhinos manager

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah are looking forward to playing host to Johor PG in the Premier League match at the Likas Stadium on Tuesday.

The Rhinos who are currently in eighth spot with six points will not take things lightly considering the hurdle that they have to go through when they clash with Johor PG who are currently in third spot with nine points.

Team manager, Rahman Zakaria said the race for top spot is getting tighter, "We need to win our matches in order for us to be promoted to the Super League next season," he said, addingÉ "we need the points to keep pace."

"So far we are doing fine and we have been winning points but we need to be more aggressive in order to win more (points)," he said on Monday.

Since the league started we have only managed to collect six points from a win and three draws. We lost two matches," he added.

"But at this stage our position in the league does not really matter. What is important are the valuable three points and that we should start winning," he stressed.

Rahman said that for the match Tuesday he hopes his charges will play more aggressively and score early goals.

"Scoring an early goal should help us in maintaining the tempo of the game and stay defensive and try to create other chances to add an extra goal," he added.

"It would not be an easy game for us when we play against Johor PG but we will be giving our best and hopefully luck will be on our side tomorrow night," said Rahman.

"But whatever the situation we are in, I am upbeat that we will earn all three points from the match.

"We will win the crucial points no matter what it takes," he said, adding the reason is that "We have homeground advantage so it is impossible if we fail to win points."

"I have urged the Rhinos to play extra hard and showcase their true strengths.

"I want them (the players) to play like they played in the Malaysia Cup. All of them have showcased tremendous teamwork and individual performance," he added.

He said that coach Drago Mamic has prepared a plan and strategy for the team. He further added that, he hopes to see fans come and help cheer for the state squad.

"The fans full support will further boost the players morale and spirit," he added.

Sabah's probable line-up are: Ronny Harun, Jeevanathan A/L Gunasekaran (GK), Burhan Ajui, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Charles Obi, S. Sunder, Rosdin Wasli, Chow Chee Wing, Henry Soimpon, Henry Parsi and Bobby Gonzales.

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