ON THE WAY UP: File photo of Sarawak’s Guy Bwele celebrating his goal against SPA Putrajaya FC by running over to the VIP zone at Stadium Negeri while Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman awaits a high-five with him on May 3. — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: It was business as usual for the Crocs as the team resumed training yesterday despite the torrential rain in the afternoon.
Head coach Robert Alberts said it was a normal routine training with a focus on mental preparation for the next match.
“We must ready ourselves as we face our next opponent Johor, three weeks from now.
“There is a need for the team to be mentally strong when we face opponents like Johor and Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
Although Sarawak have qualified for the Super League next season, the team wants to end the season in style by staying unbeaten for the whole season.
Sarawak will next face Johor away at the Pasir Gudang Stadium on June 21 and the Crocs should know very well what awaits them. After edging Kedah 1-0 last week, Johor is now looking to put a dent in Sarawak’s impressive unbeaten record and avenge their previous round one league defeat against the Crocs.
During the two team’s previous league encounter in February in Kuching, Sarawak won 3-2.
It is also interesting to note that Rashid Aya, who played for the Crocs last season, will return to Stadium Negeri on June 21 in Johor colours.
On June 24 another former Sarawak player, Benedict Martin, will also return to the Stadium Negeri but in Kuala Lumpur jerseys.
That will be Sarawak’s last home league match of the season.
Sarawak currently top the Premier League with 49 points, while Johor are third place with 39 points. Sime Darby FC is in second place with 45 points.
With only three matches to go, Johor still have a chance to qualify for next season’s Super League but they have to win all three remaining matches and Sime Darby lose all theirs.
In contrast to Sarawak’s good run in the Premier League, the state’s President Cup team continues to falter. They were beaten 0-3 by Perak at Stadium Negeri last Monday.