DOUBTFUL: File photo of Sarawak defender Ramesh Lai Ban Huat in action. He is one of the players that Coach Alberts might decide to rest for today’s clash with Penang.
KUCHING: Former champions Sarawak will not take Penang PBAPP FC lightly in their FA Cup tie at home today.
Head coach Robert Alberts affirmed this when speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday.
“When we face Melaka in the competition last month, they have proven to be a formidable opponent indeed. Our next oppenent tomorrow (today) is certainly no different or maybe even better,” he said.
Sarawak qualified for this round of the competition after beating Melaka 3-0.
Penang qualified after thrashing Preah Khan Reach 5-1 in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian side was invited to play in this year’s competition.
“When you play away in Phnom Penh and score five goals, it is a good result indeed. Penang PBAPP FC are definitely no push-overs even when they are playing away,” Alberts added in reference to Sarawak’s opponent today.
Refusing to comment on his starting line up for today, Alberts said that those decisions would only be revealed after the final training.
“What I can tell you is that goalkeeper Saiful Amar Sudar and left defender Ronnie Harun will not be playing. We need to rest some of our players for the next match this Friday too,” he disclosed.
On the subject of the team’s busy schedule, Alberts felt that it was normal and the team have no problems dealing with it.
Sarawak will next face Kuala Lumpur in the Premier League.
The Sarawak versus Penang PBAPP FC match starts at 8.15pm today at the Stadium Negeri.