All set for season opener

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EARLY TEST: The season opener against Perlis will test the Crocs and newly signed striker Ivan Babic.

KUCHING: The Crocs are all set for the league season opener against Perlis today.

Victory will provide the right momentum for the initial stage of their 2013 campaign.

Relegated to the Premier League this year, Sarawak faces very clear goals for this season.

Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman recently pointed out that the two main objectives are for Sarawak to emerge as the league champions and to win promotion back to the Super League in 2014.

Coach Robert Alberts, when met at the training ground recently, expressed cautious optimism.

“The players are very excited to kick start the league and this is a very positive sign. However, I have urged the players not to repeat mistakes especially those in the central and attacking positions,” said Alberts.

Bobby Gonzales and Ivan Babic are expected to lead the attack while assisted by Joseph Kallang Tie and Ahmad Aminuddin. Captain Shahrol Saperi and Bwele are expected to control the engine room.

The defenders include Ronny Harun, Mafry Balang and Ramesh Lai Ban Huat.

A setback for the team was the injury sustained by Dzulazlan Ibrahim at the recent friendly with Harimau Muda. He is due for an operation and is looking at possibly six month off the pitch.

Perlis had a disappointing season after finishing 11th position in the Premier League last year.

The northern state has engaged former T-Team coach Yunus Alif to manage the squad this season.

The 2-2 draw with Red Giants Selangor in a pre-season friendly is a tell tale sign of what Perlis can offer.

The Crocs will need to watch out for defender Okine Emmanuel Ayaah and striker Antwi Denis Agyare.