SABAH FC are given a breather as the Super League is having a one month break with the AFC matches to be played during this period.
This will be a great opportunity for Datuk Ong Kim Swee to whip the boys back into shape before the league resumes.
With the transfer window reopened, every team now has the opportunity to get rid of their weaknesses with new signings.
I am happy to learn that Sabah FC have finally registered a new boy in a Brazilian top man, João Pedro Boeira Duarte, to replace the sadly departed Ramon Machado.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says young business professionals' inputs needed to develop Sabah Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he welcomed inputs from young business professionals to assist in policy formulation. Read more Like many of the home supporters, I am also excited and can’t wait see João in action. Will our weaknesses of scoring goals be over with him in the team?
All eyes will be on him to deliver the goods. The expectation is high, but I need to remind everybody that he is a newcomer to the team and perhaps he needs some time to make some adjustment.
I know he has signed a nine-month contract with Sabah FC. I would like to welcome him to Sabah and wish him all the best.
It is great to have a new import in the team but I still have concerns about our first choice players like Saddil Ramdani, Gabriel Pavez, and Stuart Wilkin.
I wonder about the seriousness of their injuries. Darren Lok has only just returned to the starting eleven, while these three have yet to be featured in any game.
Hopefully with the break, these players will recover in time before they take on Terengganu FC in the home game on September 16.
Both Sabah FC and Terengganu FC have played eight games to date. Terengganu are one place above us in third place with 15 points.
We are only two points behind, while the top two places who have played one game more are Johor Darul Ta’zim FC with 23 points and Selangor FC with 19 points.
Meanwhile, on the MFL Under-23 league, Sabah FC are languishing at the bottom of the table with one miserable point.
New coach Alto Linus now has to work his miracles to bring back positive vibes into the team.
The team has the worst defence in the league by letting in 28 goals and only managed to score six goals over eight games.
I really hope Alto, who was given the trust to take over from Johnny Dominicus can reshape the team.
It is not an easy job but well worth trying as a new coach.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
