BANKING ON DUO

KOTA KINABALU: The Rhinos will be looking at their new signings – a Brazilian striker and Bosnian defender – to help them end their Premier League campaign on a winning note.

The Rhinos will take on Selangor PKNS in their final game of the season in an away battle at the MPPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya tonight, and both Felisberto de Oliveira Freira Jr and Dragic Dalidor are expected to be in Drago Mamic’s game plan.

Team manager Rahman Zakaria said that they are working on some minor technical issues that need to be resolved before the duo could take to the battlefield.

“There are one or two technical things that need to be settled, but I’m quite convinced that both of them will be cleared tomorrow,” said Rahman, while declining to elaborate further on the issue.

Both striker Felisberto and the six-foot-tall Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Dragic replaced the already departed Nigerian duo of Prince Ativie Guy and Prince Eboagwa Etuwe.

While Sabah may want to end their campaign in the best possible finish – third placing – but based on the standings, fourth placing could well be their best finish, and that is if they can win tonight’s battle.

For Sabah to end their season in third spot, they must beat PKNS and hope that the Shahzan Muda-Johor PG tie ends in a draw. There are two matches left – the Sabah vs PKNS and the Shahzan Muda vs Johor Pasir Gudang ties to officially end the Premier League 2006/07 challenge.

At the moment, PKNS occupy the third spot behind eventual winners Police and second-placed UPB-MyTEAM, on 29 points, while Shahzan Muda are fourth on 28 followed by Johor PG and Sabah in fifth and sixth respectively.

Johor PG and Sabah are level on 27 points but the southern state team stay ahead of Sabah on a better goal average.

“No promises, but what I can assure is that we will try the best we can to win the game. It has been quite a long break, and I hope our trip to Brunei (friendly games) recently will do the players some good,” added Rahman.

Nigerian striker Charles Obi will spearhead the Rhinos’ attack with new boy Felisberto his likely striking partner.

In midfield, Rosdin Wasli and Chow Chee Wing will be the main men, while P. Rajes is likely to be at the right of midfield with Zulamri Muhammad on the left.

Ahmad Tharmini Saiban is likely to have a new partner in the heart of the Rhinos’ defence in Dragic, while Ronny Harun is expected to be on the right while S. Sunder on the left.

Irwan Jamil will be the goalkeeper.

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West Coast Zone backs Anifah’s leadership

KOTA KINABALU: The Safa West Coast Zone yesterday voiced their support towards the current Sabah FA leadership led by President Datuk Anifah Aman.

But while wanting Anifah to stay at the helm of the association, they proposed that new blood be brought into the Sabah FA fold in order to bring new ideas to the association.

This was among the several agendas discussed at the Safa West Coast Zone Annual General Meeting cum election for new office bearers held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

At the same time, they also called on the Sabah FA to start giving out allocations to its affiliate members.

Its Chairman Juil Nuatim, who chaired the meeting, said that with the allocation, it would help affiliate members to carry out youth development activities at their respective zones.

The AGM also concluded that the organising of any futsal tournament must also get the sanction from district FAs if it is a district level tournament and from Zone or State FAs if it is a Zone or State level championship.

“We want the organiser to first get the sanction because the organising of futsal tournaments is also the same as any football tournament as they are also getting referees from the Sabah FA,” said Juil.

“We also hope that the referees will cooperate with us in this matter,” he added.

Juil also said that the AGM also saw Putatan being named as a new branch of the association.

With the latest development, Juil said West Coast Zone will have five branches namely Papar, Penampang, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu and Putatan.

Meanwhile, during the election, all the incumbents retained their respective posts unopposed.

Johnny Goh remained as the patron, Juil (chairman), Alijus Sipil (deputy chairman), Matasan Ahmad (vice president I), Elbert Staun (vice president II), Viccor Lee (secretary), Justine Saning (secretary I), Mohd Noh Bialin (secretary II), Janus Tioon (treasurer), Ismail Tudiki (assistant treasurer).

The committee members are Roger Impou, Kanit Gindok, Mintoh Asai, Omar Abd Rais, Jifferin Ngadul, Ajak Bakar, Johnny Yek and Andrew John.

Branch chairmen are as follows – Safa Papar (Juil Nuatin); Safa Penampang (Elbert Staun); Safa Bandaraya (Alijus Sipil); Safa Tuaran (Abd kassim Jali @ Razali); Safa Putatan (unavailable).

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LIKELY REPLACEMENT

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah FA is likely to name the replacement for the Nigerian duo, Prince Eboagwu Etuwe and Prince Guy Ativie next week.

Its Executive Secretary Harry Baking said that if things go according to plan they may identify the right man as early as Monday.

At the moment, there are two Brazilians, a striker and a defender, both undergoing trials with the Rhinos for the past weeks.

Harry said that no decision will be made until the arrival of another two hopefuls from Ivory Coast.

“We are expecting the two players (from Ivory Coast, a defender and midfielder) any time now … the latest would be by Friday.

“We will give them enough time to prove their worth and once we make up our minds then we will move on from there.

“Hopefully we will get our man ahead of our Malaysia Cup quarter-final clash against Negeri Sembilan Naza next month,” said Harry.

At the moment, Nigerian striker Charles Obi is the sole foreign player in the team following the departure of Eboagwu and Ativie.

Defender Eboagwu was forced out of the team after suffering a long-term injury on his right foot while striker Ativie failed to land a new contract upon the expiry of his short-term deal with the Rhinos.

Sabah will complete their Premier League campaign by playing an away game against Selangor PKNS on July 31 before their quarter-final first leg date with Negeri Sembilan on August 8.

The Rhinos’ return leg is at home on August 15.

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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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