Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah FC Under-23 team gave the Sabah FC senior team under coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee a glimpse of what they are capable of although they were beaten 1-3 during a friendly at the Likas Stadium during the weekend.
Sabah FC Under-23 coach Datuk Abdul Kassim Razali said he was happy with the performance of his boys against the senior team.
“They put in their all. Fighting for every ball until the end and I’m proud of their fighting spirit,” he said after witnessing the match with deputy team manager George Teo and other officials.
Abdul Kassim said the performance by his team under coach Johnny Dominicus showed that they are ready for the new campaign with the opening match away against JDT U-23 on May 20.
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Abdul Kassim said the Under-23 team showed the more superior Sabah FC senior team with a number of foreign imports in their line-up that the youngsters in his team were not overwhelmed by their opponents.
“A really good friendly for both teams’ preparations,” he said.
He said the team had also played friendly matches with the Sulaman FC and Sabah FC Under-20.
“We may have another two or three friendly matches before the start of the season so that the boys are kept on their toes and remain in tip-top condition.
“The discipline among the Under-23 team is fantastic and the boys are a united lot.
“They are enthusiastic to play for the Under-23 State team and can’t wait for the season to start,” he said.
Abdul Kassim hoped that football fans would come to support the Under-23 team, especially when playing at home.
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