CRUCIAL AWAY TIES FOR RHINOS

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria insists the Rhinos have their own “class” and that they are ready for the challenges ahead as they embark on three crucial away battles starting with a date with Perak in the Malaysia Cup second round opener at the Perak Stadium tonight.

After the Perak clash, the Rhinos will switch their focus by taking on league leaders UPB-MyTEAM in a Premier League tie on April 17, before playing a derby match against Sarawak in the Malaysia Cup challenge on April 21.

“All these three matches are very important and difficult ones, especially the first two,” the Rhinos’ team manager said. “Nevertheless, we will try our best to gain something out of it. We must make sure that we do not slip any points away. Although we have to do it away from home, but I firmly believe that this is not an impossible mission to accomplish,” said Rahman as he eyes victory over their opponents.

“Perak are one of the best teams in the Super League, but we’re in a class of our own. We managed to beat them in the first leg (1-0 at the Likas Stadium). We have also shown that our level is not far away from them. Personally, I would say that we have a team that is ready to take on, not only Perak but the rest of the other teams as well.

“What is important is for us to keep on with the good work. It is also important for us to stick to our normal game. “I’m happy to note that the team is in their best condition for the battles and our aim is to get the maximum points. “We are doing quite well in the Malaysia Cup and are now moving up the Premier League table after a poor start. We are also in the FA Cup quarter-finals, so obviously we have every reason to be confident.

“We need as many points in all the competitions to ensure we will be up there among the top teams,” said Rahman. In the Malaysia Cup, Sabah currently occupy the second spot after the completion of the first round with 10 points in the bag … a mere one point behind leaders Kedah.

However, third-placed Perak are only one point behind Sabah while Police, who sit in fourth spot, are two points adrift. And with Kedah taking on lowly Sarawak and Police taking on bottom of the table Pahang, Sabah cannot afford any slip-ups. Meanwhile in the Premier League, Sabah are trying to pick up the points after enduring a poor start to the season.

The Rhinos have found their rhythm in the 11-team league recently and had since moved up to fifth place on 14 points and trail leaders UPB-MyTeam who have 24 points.

Rahman said that after the Perak game, they will be staying put in the national capital and would return home after the UPB-MyTEAM game before taking on the road again to face Sarawak.

After the Sarawak clash, Sabah will play two consecutive home fixtures – against Kuala Lumpur (Premier League – April 24) and Kedah (Malaysia Cup – April 28).

The squad, led by Rahman, left for Perak yesterday with all its keys players making the trip.

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ON A ROLL – Rhinos extend unbeaten run

KOTA KINABALU: Friday’s victory over second-placed Police could well be the Rhinos’ revival in their quest for promotion next season as they surged from the eighth spot to fifth in the 11-team standings.

In fact the Rhinos have been pretty consistent in the League as they have extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.

However, as statistic shows, their only problem is that they find it difficult to win a League game! But their performances in the Malaysia Cup as well as the FA Cup suggests otherwise.

But after two convincing victories in their last two games over the top two teams in the League, it clearly indicates that the Rhinos are bent on winning more games. Prior to this victory, Sabah also defeated table toppers UPB-MyTEAM with a similar score line, 3-1.

Rahman Zakaria insisted that the Rhinos are almost at their peak. “This team will get better,” he said. “The way things are going, we are moving in the right direction and it is important for us to keep it that way.

“We shouldn’t be carried away. There will be no easy matches from now on, but I firmly believe that the players are ready for the challenges ahead.”

Rahman added while stressing the importance of the team in maintaining a winning momentum. “From now every point will be crucial in our quest for promotion. But I’m happy to see that the players have started to realize that they have a mission to accomplish,” said Rahman.

For the record, Sabah is not only eyeing promotion, they are still in the race for the Malaysia Cup and the FA Cup.

Rahman is also delighted to note that the players have started to merge as a team.

“I think this has been the strength of the team. The bond among and between the players have been great. Unity in the team is also excellent and they have shown on the battlefield how they supported and motivated each other.

Commenting on Charles Obi, Rahman said: “He has been fantastic for the team.”

“We should be glad that we have him on our side because if we are up against him, he will be a handful to handle.

“He’s got the height, pace, strength and two good feet which are ideal for a top striker and I’m not surprised that he has been scoring regularly.

“I hope he can continue with this scoring spree and lead Sabah’s charge in all the competitions that we are in,” he added.

However, Rahman is quick to point out that this is not a one-man team.

“Obi has been doing great, but in all fairness, the rest of the players have also done their part. As I have said earlier, this squad is all about team effort and with a player like Obi in the team he will make us even stronger.

The Nigerian striker is now a hit among the Rhinos fans. He is the team’s leading scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.

The lanky Obi, who signed for Sabah at the start of the season, has proven beyond doubt his ability on the field. And what is more special about him is that he not only finds the net but creates scoring opportunities for his team-mates. Sooner rather than later, his partnership with countryman Prince Ativie Guy could be the deadliest ever seen in the Premier League.

He is now the Premier League’s leading scorer with nine goals. He also scored three goals apiece in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup competition.

Once again, Rahman hopes that fans will come in full force in drumming up support for the team.

“We are getting the right results with some impressive displays, and I really foresee a steady increase in crowd turn-up for our home games ahead. We really need the presence of the fans to further uplift the spirit of the team,” Rahman said.

In the match against Police, Sabah were forced to fight from a goal down before slotting three goals after B. Rajinikandh had put Police in front in the 58th minute with a well-drilled free-kick.

Second-half substitute Salvester Sindeh equalised for Sabah after only six minutes on the field when he came on for Zulamri Muhammad. He slotted home Obi’s past from close range.

It was Obi’s turn next when he netted his first in the 75th minute before adding the second five minutes from regulation time.

UPB-MyTEAM remain unshakeable at the top of the standings with 24 points, five ahead of Police, but the Cops have a two-match advantage.

PKNS is in third on 17 followed by Kelantan in fourth on 16. Sabah is in fifth with 14 points to show.

Sabah’s next fixture is an away tie to Perak in a Malaysia Cup challenge on April 14 followed by another away match in the Premier League clash against UPB-MyTEAM on April 17.

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RHINOS KNOCK DOWN COPS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah gained sweet revenge over Police as they kick started their Premier League second round campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory last night.

Striker-in-chief Charles Obi was again the toast of the team as he netted twice after second-half substitute Salvester Sindeh had put Sabah on level terms following a B. Rajanikadhn opener.

It was again a night to cheer at the Likas Stadium as the Rhinos put up yet another solid and spirited performance that eventually helped them avenge their 1-2 defeat to the same side in a Malaysia Cup challenge last month.

And the well-deserved victory would surely instill greater spirit among the Rhinos as after last night’s victory the Rhinos defeated the top two sides in the league. Late last month, they scored a victory over table-toppers UPB-MyTEAM with a similar scoreline and followed it with this sweet victory over second-placed Police. It was not much action in the first half as both sides took some time to settle down with Police having the first chance at Sabah’s goalmouth when P.Sivanathan unleashed a pile-driver shot from about 35 metres, but Sabah’s young custodian Irwan Jamil managed to palm the ball away for a corner. Sabah’s first chance in the half only came in the 20th minute when Radzi Hussin shot wide after receiving a back-pass from Obi. But it could have been 1-0 for Sabah in the 34th minute when Chow Chee Wing was presented with a sitter.

Obi managed to feed the unmarked Chow, but unfortunately his attempt from five yards out went wide. Two minutes later, this time it was P. Rajes who squandered another golden opportunity when his point-blank header sailed above the crossbar. Late in the first half, Police’s Hillary Echesa saw his attempt from outside the Sabah goalmouth go wide. Both teams enjoyed a longer half-time break, as there was a blackout at the Likas Stadium. It was about a 15-minute delay before the game resumed.

And it was Police who stunned the homesters when B. Rajanikadhn curled his 58th minute free-that hit the back of the Sabah net. Trailing by a goal, Sabah coach Drago Mamic took a gamble by bringing in his third striker in Salvester Sindeh.

And it proved to work well for the Rhinos as Salvester cancelled off B. Rajanikadhn’s opener with a low drive after receiving a pass from Obi in the 69th minute, six minutes after replacing Zulamri Muhammad.

Five minutes later, Obi finally sent the about 4,000 home fans into frenzy when he slotted home Sabah’s second. It started from a lobbed ball from Chow from the centre of the half. The Rhinos’ leading scorer chested the ball before unleashing a low drive into the back of the Police net. In the 80th minute, B. Rajanikadhn could have put Police on level terms when they earned a free-kick from the same place as they did when he put his side into the lead.

But this time luck seemed to shy away from him as his attempt hit the woodwork. In the 85th minute, Obi sealed the Rhinos’ victory with a fine finish after receiving a long pass from Rajes. From then on it was all Sabah until the final whistle.

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REVENGE MISSION

KOTA KINABALU: Rahman Zakaria declares that the Rhinos are more than ready to face Police in the opener of the second round in the Premier League challenge at the Likas Stadium tonight.

In fact he added that the team cannot wait to take on their opponents.

“No doubt they are a good side, and we respect them for that. However, it doesn’t mean that we are going to give them an easy ride.

“We have nothing to fear. Furthermore, we have extra reason to get the better of them,” the Rhinos’ team manager said, referring to their 1-2 defeat to Police in the Malaysia Cup challenge in the middle of last month.

For the record, that was the Rhinos’ only defeat in the competition that would resume with the second round on April 14 where Sabah will be taking on Perak in an away battle.

“We are also aware of their strength and I firmly believe that we have the quality to get the better of them this time around.

“It is the same case for the players. They are pretty much in the mood, and I can see that team spirit is high.

“I would like to stress it here that we are ready and confident, not only for this match, but for the remaining of our second round fixtures.

“The team have done well in training and they have proven that in the match proper. We can see that they are getting better and better with each match.

“But then again, there is no point of talking and playing a good game, as what matters most for the team now is winning the battle.

“We have a bunch of fighters in the team and I’m confident we will be up there as the league progresses.

“I would also like to make a humble call to all the fans to come and support the team. Let’s help and support the team. They certainly need the fans’ support and I really hope for a good turn out tomorrow,” said Rahman.

He also declares that they will be at full strength for the clash with striker-in-chief Charles Obi and his new striking partner Prince Ativie certainly starting the game.

For the record, Sabah are currently lying eighth in the 11-team standings on 11 points, eight behind second-placed Police, who played one match less than the Rhinos.

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SABAH TAKE ON PERLIS

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been drawn to take on Perlis in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup competition. The draw that was conducted yesterday saw Sabah playing hosts for the first leg tie on May 15.

The return leg has been slated for May 29. Sabah marched into the last eight after defeating Johor FC 4-3 in the second round while Perlis earned their berth following the disqualification of Melaka Telekom.

For the record, Melaka Telekom defeated Perlis 2-0 in the last 16, but was penalised for fielding an ineligible player in the clash.

Commenting on the draw, the Rhinos team manager Rahman Zakaria said: “We have nothing to worry. In fact we are ready to face any team, including Perlis.”

“They may be a Super League side, but I firmly believe that we have a good side here that is ready for anyone,” he added.

And Rahman has every reason for being confident, while on their way to the quarter-finals they dumped two Super League giants.

In the first round, they defeated Melaka 2-1 before their victory over Johor FC.

And another interesting factor is that the Rhinos have not lost to any Super League side this season. As in the Malaysia Cup, they have also registered victory over a few more Super League sides such as Perak, Pahang and Sarawak and held Kedah to a 1-1 draw in an away battle.

The other quarter-finals will see Kedah taking on Premier League leaders UPB-MyTEAM, Johor PG will meet Kuala Muda Naza while Selangor clash head-on with PKNS.

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RHINOS FIRED UP

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos are all fired up to maintain their winning touch when they take on Shahzan Muda in a Premier League tie at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan tonight.

In fact it will be a tricky trip for the Drago Mamic boys as they need nothing less than three points to keep their promotion quest intact.

Team manager Rahman Zakaria admitted that it will be another tough assignment for the team.

“In fact from now on, every match will be tough because we just cannot afford to lose any more points.

“We are playing catch up here, so obviously there is no room for error.

“I’m happy to see that the spirit in the team is high and the players are pretty much in the mood for more wins.

“They all indicated that they want to end this first round campaign with a win,” said Rahman.

Tonight will be the final first round match for the Premier League, but Sabah still have one game in hand that is against Police, which has been postponed to May 8.

“We are ready to fight and will give a good challenge to all our opponents,” Rahman said, referring to their promotion quest.

“I think we have a good team here and we are ready for Shahzan Muda. Furthermore, we have been doing pretty well lately, and there is surely no turning back for the boys.

But having said that, Rahman said they will certainly not underestimate their opponents.

“Be it the top teams, the bottom teams or from the Super League, we will treat them the same … we will play to the best of our capabilities or abilities.

“But there is no point of talking too much, because what matters most is what happens on the field. But I firmly believe that this team has all the strength and quality to go far, and Insyak Allah we will return home with all three points,” Rahman said.

Rahman has all the reason to be in such a confident mood as the Rhinos have not lost a Premier League game since January 9.

Despite their five-match unbeaten streak thus far, the Rhinos have been struggling to find their winning momentum until the victory over UPB-MyTEAM.

“I really hope this will be our springboard to achieve more wins in the Premier League. We have done pretty well in the Malaysia Cup as well as the FA Cup, but we also need to do well in the league, and it’s good to see that the players realise this,” Rahman added.

Rahman also said that all their best players are available for the clash, including striker-in-chief Charles Obi and newly-signed Prince Ativie Guy, who has been pretty impressive thus far.

Sabah are currently seventh in the 11-team standings on 10 points. As for Shahzan Muda, they occupy the fourth spot on 12 points.

A victory for the Rhinos would help them leap frog Shahzan Muda or even third-placed Selangor PKNS, should the club side fail to collect any point in their clash against KL Plus FC.

For the record, UPB-MyTEAM lead the standings on 20 points, followed closely by Police in second with 19.

SABAH’S PROBABLE LINE UP: Irwan Jamil, Harold John, Prince Eboagwa Etuwe, Ahmad Tharmini Saiban, Ronny Harun, Burhan Ajui, Rezuan Mohd Radzi, Hardy Charles Parsi, S. Sunder, P. Rajes, Henry Soimpon, Rosdin Wasli, Radzi Hussin, Chow Chee Wing, Charles Obi, Prince Ativie Guy, Azrul Ejati Damsah.

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RELIEF FOR RHINOS

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos have been told to maintain their winning momentum as they kept alive their promotion quest with a crucial 3-1 victory over Premier League leaders UPB-MyTEAM on Friday.

The victory comes as a great relief for the Drago Mamic boys as anything less than maximum points could have shattered their dreams.

It is also good to see that the fighting Rhinos have now moved out from the relegation zone as the three points earned from the clash helped them climb three rungs up from 10th placing to seventh in the 11-team standings on 10 points.

Prior to the clash, the Rhinos’ ability as a genuine contender for promotion was in serious doubt, no thanks to their inability to win in their Premier League challenge.

In fact it was their first home win in the league after five attempts. Their previous four outings ended in three draws and one defeat.

Sabah chalked up their first win (in the league) by edging Kuala Muda Naza 2-1 in an away battle. Their remaining two away fixtures ended in a draw and a defeat.

But what is more promising in the victory (over UPB-MyTEAM) was the partnership of Nigerian striker Charles Obi and his countryman Prince Ativie Guy.

In fact it was Prince Ativie’s second game for the team since replacing Poland striker Arkadiusz Jerzy Zarlzynski. He scored his first goal for the Rhinos (in the 4-3 win over Johor FC in the FA Cup) and made two assists.

And it was from his assist that Obi netted the Rhinos’ second against UPB-MyTEAM before sending a superb cross for Obi to head home the third goal.

Chow Chee Wing drew first blood for the Rhinos with a well-taken free kick in the first half injury time before Obi extended the lead five minutes after the break.

But UPB-MyTEAM were back in the game when Prince Eboagwu Etuwe scored an own goal in the 54th minute. But three minutes from time, Obi headed in a Prince Ativie cross to seal the Rhinos’ well-deserved victory.

Although it was team effort that won the game for the team on Friday, but both Obi and Prince Ativie will certainly be an asset for the team if they can improve their partnership in matches to come.

Rahman Zakaria insists that the team will only get better.

“They are all fighters in the team. All of them want to prove that they are among the contenders, not only in the Malaysia Cup or the FA Cup, but also in the league.

“They want to prove that they are up for the challenge, and the victory over UPB-MyTEAM was just one example about their burning desire to do well in the M-League,” the Rhinos’ team manager said.

“As I have said all along, we have a good team here. Our only problem was that we just could not win a league game since our victory over Kuala Muda Naza in January.

“So I hope this will be our springboard to achieve greater results in our coming matches,” Rahman said.

“It is important for the team to maintain their winning momentum or rhythm. If we can do that, I think we have nothing to fear,” Rahman said.

“In fact we are very proud of the players, especially the determination and spirit they have shown in our last two games.

The Rhinos, who have a game in hand, are just three points behind third placed Selangor PKNS (13 points) while UPB still top the league on 20 points followed by Police on 17.

“I hope the players will not be carried away with their new found confidence but maintain their focus in every match,” said Rahman.

Rahman also hoped that the victory over UPB would lure more fans in their upcoming home matches.

“To have a big crowd cheering the players will be of great help and if not crucial for the team to vie for victories.

“On behalf of the team I would like to express a big thank you to the fans, who have been supporting us all this while and hopefully we will see more turn up in the near future,” added Rahman.

Sabah’s next match will be against Shahzan Muda in a TM Premier League tie at the Darul Makmur Stadium, Kuantan on April 3, before playing their first second round match against Police at the Likas Stadium on April 6.

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