Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC will be taking on Singapore Premier League side Geylang International FC in a friendly at Likas Stadium this evening (Saturday) starting at 7.30pm.
It is the Rhinos’ first pre-season match held at home after their recent tour of Thailand in preparation for the start of the new Super League season.
Scott Ollerenshaw, who is Sabah FC’s technical director, said in a press conference on Friday that the match tonight will be important for the team.
“This is the start of a new journey for the team. Last year was great with our ability to bring in players such as Baddrul Bakhtiar, Rizal Ghazali and others.
“However, this is a new and different season and we have only three more games to play before the season opener against PDRM on February 25.
“The match against Geylang is very important in terms of our preparation as the coach is likely to take the opportunity to work on the combination and understanding among the players especially with the addition of a few new faces as well,” he said.
He also urged the local fans to grab the rare opportunity to watch one of Singapore’s top teams with a rich history in action here.
Baddrul, who was also present, agreed that the match will provide the right platform for Datuk Ong Kim Swee to choose the best combination possible and he promised the team will be giving their best.
Meanwhile, Geylang International FC’s head coach Mohd Noor Ali said they are looking forward to the match.
“We have a very young team this season with some 18-19 year-old players and we had two good games against Penang and Kedah before coming over here.
“We are very thankful to Sabah FC for giving us the opportunity to play against them and we are really looking forward to the match.”
Their skipper Joshua Pereira admitted that Sabah FC are a much better side but said it will still be a competitive game even though it is only a friendly.
* 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.
