Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC are facing injury problems ahead of the top of the table clash with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight (Friday).
Head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee said Telmo Castanheira, Saddil
Ramdani and Jailton Paraiba who were the first choice since the start of the new season and last season regular Gary Steven Robbat are in a race to be fit for the showdown.
“All four players are still injured and the final decision on whether to play any of them will only be made once we receive the latest medical report,” he said.
He also said Nigerian striker Jacob Njoku who joined from Kelantan
United at the start of the season is still not fully fit.
“Njoku has yet to show his true form so far and this is likely due to lack of playing time. He may play in the MFL Cup and from there I will evaluate his condition. We believe with more minutes under his belt his performance will definitely
improve.
“As I had said earlier, the season is still early and we don’t have to rush, the important thing for me is that all the players must be mentally strong.”
He added that the fitness of Darren Lok, Daniel Ting, Dominic Tan, Stuart Wilkin and Damien Lim who were involved in Harimau Malaya’s friendly matches with Hong Kong and Turkmenistan will also be taken into account before naming the starting 11.
“They are very important to the squad. Their presence will surely strengthen the team. However, we need to be assured of their fitness level as some have played in both matches.
“There is no doubt that the JDT are the favourites but we will try to give a good fight and I hope the players can deliver their best to keep the momentum.”
Sabah FC are still unbeaten this season after five matches with 13 points from four wins and one draw.
They are only two points behind JDT FC in second place in the 14-team table.
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