Sarawak face a tough run of games starting tomorrow against a strong Terengganu side that boasts at least 11 Malaysian international players ranging from the U21 to the senior team. Terengganu travel to Kuching after a 3-0 trashing of Felda United against a Sarawak side that fell 2-1 to Sabah with former Sarawak player, Bobby Gonzalez scoring the winner and K Ravindran grabbing a consolation goal. Terengganu finished second in 2011, 3 points behind Kelantan.
It will be a homecoming for Joseph Kalang Tie who left Sarawak in 2009 to join Terengganu. Joseph will be a creative threat in an already impressive Terengganu team. Terengganu can look to local stars Hadi Yahya, Muslim Ahmad and Marzuki Yusof. At just the age to 22, Muslim Ahmad is already a seasoned professional, regarded as the best centre back in the country. He has 2 gold SEA games medals and a AFF Suzuki Cup winners medal.
Losing 2-1 to their fiercest rivals, Sarawak will be wanting to bounce back with a win. “Soft goals” was how Coach Alberts described Sabah’s goals. “… lost too much possession and we didn’t win most of the ball” was his summary of the game calling Sabah “a different team when they play at home”. As with any league match, Sarawak will just need to move on. The only consolation for Sarawak is that K Ravindran has now scored 2 goals in as many matches. His current form is a relief after reports that Kalle Sone will be out with a long term injury.
Alberts will be banking on the fact that Sarawak too are a different team when they play at home. Kickoff is tomorrow, Tues 16 Jan, at 8.15pm. Here’s hoping to a clear night. God knows I’ve had enough of watching games with soaked feet.
My Match Prediction: 0-2 Terengganu
My Hopeful Forecast: 3-0 Sarawak
T-Team lead the standings with the only 100% record after 2 impressive 3-0 wins. KL are bottom after 2 defeats and with an away game against Singapore, it doesn’t look like they’ll be moving up the table any time soon.
Round 3 Full fixture list
Tuesday 16/1/2012
PBDKT T-Team vs Sabah
Felda United vs Selangor
Singapore Lions XII vs Kuala Lumpur
Sarawak vs Terengganu
Perak vs Negeri Sembilan
PKNS vs Kedah
Kelantan vs Johor FC
