KUCHING: Sarawak will not be resting on their laurels and are expected to go all out for another three full points at the return leg game against Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory of the Education Ministry football League Cup and KPM/FAM Youth League cup at Sarawak Stadium today.Having seated on top of Group A, the Junior Crocs are moving closer to realise the mission of bringing back home one of the most coveted cup in Under-17 national football competition for the first time ever.
The state team, represented by Tabuan Jaya State Sports School (SSNTJ) Kuching, collected 14 points, having played seven matches with four wins, two draws and one loss.
Following behind are Perlis and Kedah, both hanging on with 13 points, one point behind the league leaders.
Under the guidance of ex-state player Hazry Abdullah, the team however, will be expecting a mounting challenge from the visitors, who are desperately need a win to climb the rock bottom.
In fact, the team are still fresh from the 4-3 away game against the city boys last week and will be looking to repeat the winning streak despite losing the service of two influential figure – skipper Shreen Tambi and the top scorer Awang Azizan.
Both are serving one-match suspension.
“We want to focus 100 per cent on the game and if the players are keeping their minds together, we will be having less problems on the field, but things can turn ugly for us if they are minds are no where to be found on the field,” Hazry said.
Hazry also reminded his players to keep the momentum and applying what had been trained and instructed. Stating that playing in front of the home crowd would be much easier for the team, Hazry pointed out that such opportunity should not be wasted.
“The opportunity is there and we hope to capitalize and earn maximum points,” said Hazry, adding that Perlis and Kedah also are having advantages to pip the Junior Crocs should both team win their respective matches.
Sarawak will host Negeri Sembilan in the next match and the chance to grab full points from their latter match also looks convincing.