Kota Kinabalu: JUST when I thought it is time to move on starting with the Super League games tomorrow against DPMM FC in another Borneo derby at the Likas Stadium after the dust had settled from last Sunday’s FA Cup final last Sunday, which was marred by controversial decisions by the referee, a bombshell occurred to the team on Thursday.
I found out that head coach Jean-Paul de Marigny has decided to quit the team in a video recording posted on Sabah FC FB page.
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I was kind of taken aback by this shocking and unexpected news. It also makes me wonder what is happening to the team as Sabah FC’s technical and sporting director Scott Ollerenshaw had also quit his post a day earlier.
Two resignations in such a short space of time. What is happening? Is there anything wrong with the team?
Jean-Paul de Marigny has been around for about four months and now he is quitting the team in mid-season. It sets people to wonder why!
Are they any more people quitting? I must say the Australian has done a reasonable job with Sabah FC. We mustn’t forget that he also managed to steer the team to the FA Cup final.
Anyway, I wish him all the best and a big thank you to Scott for his services and efforts to Sabah football for the past three decades.
I am not sure how much impact with the departure of Jean-Paul in the eve of the match against DPMM will have on the players.
It is a winnable game at least on paper and we must grab the opportunity and continue to collect points in the league.
Our opponents from Brunei Darussalam joined the league only this year and so far, they have not been doing too well, while we seemed to have gained some momentum lately with two victories in a row before the Cup final.
Despite the slight edge, we need to take every game seriously no matter how weak or strong the opponent is and must not let our guard down.
Whoever is taking over the team must emphasise the importance of maintaining momentum and make sure that the players are mentally strong enough for the match.
Our objective remains to collect points consistently. With the busy schedule leading up to Christmas—including an away game against Terengganu FC just three days later, we need to be smart and must manage the squad effectively to avoid any injuries.
Let’s give the fans their Christmas present by winning the coming two games.
