Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC acting head coach Alto Linus expressed confidence in his team’s ability to surprise Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) FC despite their rival’s reputation as the top team in the Malaysia League as the two teams clash in the second round of the Super League tie this season tonight at Likas Stadium.
He is determined to make the most of the home advantage to serve as a morale booster to his players.
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“We respect JDT, but playing in front of our own fans gives the players extra motivation. They are more enthusiastic and want to prove something,” he said on Saturday.
However, the Rhinos are experiencing challenges as several key players are dealing with injuries. Notably, Cifuentes is recovering from a fractured leg and will be resting for about two weeks.
Others like Gabriel Peres, Shahrol Nizam Abd Rahman and newly signed Duje Ljubic’s fitness level are also being closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Alto also admitted that Kervens Fil Belfort and Chris Marlon Ondong Mba are also not at their best and the final decision on their status will only be determined on match day.
Despite these obstacles, Linus remains optimistic about the current squad’s ability to deliver a strong performance.
“We believe in the existing players. This is also an opportunity for them to perform and prove their capabilities against a top team,” he said.
