Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya is confident Sabah FC can bounce back from their recent dip in form to win the FA Cup tie against Kelantan United at Likas Stadium this Saturday.
The team suffered a 0-4 loss against leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim FC followed by a 0-2 defeat by Kuala Lumpur FC before getting the point in the 1-1 draw with Negeri Sembilan FC in their three away Super League ties.
He called on the players to take advantage of home support to get back to winning ways in the Cup tie after only managing one point in their last three away league matches.
“The team needs all the support they can get and the presence of supporters inside the stadium hopefully will inspire them to raise their game and win the match.
“I hope even in the month of Ramadan, the fans and supporters can come in big numbers to support the team in this Saturday’s FA Cup match.
“We should always be proud of Sabah FC and must support them at all times not only in their victories but also in defeats such as the recent losses to JDT and Kuala Lumpur FC.
“The team had actually started the Super League campaign well with three consecutive wins and only after that we suffered the first and second defeats followed by a draw in three Super League away games.
“I hope emotionally the players are not affected by the setbacks and I want them to comply with all strategies and tactics as needed and we will pray that they can bounce back in this home match.”
He said this in his speech when attending the Sabah FC’s breaking fast ceremony with orphans from Rumah Amal Kasih and Rumah Anak Yatim As-Sakinah at the club’s training ground in Likas on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, Sabah Football Association (Safa) received strong support from Jetama Sdn Bhd in their effort to develop the sport in the State.
Jetama Sdn Bhd’s deputy chairman Datuk Juhari Janan said the company is well aware of the needs of Safa.
“We believe the development of football needs solid support from all parties, especially from government-linked companies (GLC).
“Football is not only a sport that needs to be developed at the grassroots level but also needs a continuous development plan.
“Therefore, large funds are needed in order to produce more quality new talent for the future of football and we are always ready to cooperate and to assist financially to ensure the process of football development in the state runs smoothly.”
He said this during Safa’s breaking fast ceremony with 20 Tahfiz Sulaimaniyyah Aminuddin Papar students here on Wednesday.
Also present were Safa assistant secretary general Azman Mastar, executive secretary David Wisom and technical director Omar Maya Amat.
* 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.
