PROBABLE LINE-UP: The line-up of Sarawak’s players in the clash against Pahang in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final tonight.
Hundreds of S’wak’s supporters travel to watch match in Kuantan
KUCHING: The Crocs can expect at least a few hundred of their die-hard fans cheering for them when they play Pahang tonight in the first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final match at Stadium Darul Makmur in Kuantan.
It is a do or die mission for the Crocs and their fans know that only a draw or a win in the first leg will give them a realistic chance of qualifying for the finals after a lapse of 14 years.
Should they draw, the Premier League champions must bring home at least a score in the bag to lessen the pressure of hosting the return match at State Stadium, Petra Jaya on Oct 26.
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts opined that the injury to the Elephants’ two key players Amirulhadi Zainal and Razman Roslan would not weaken their team at all.
“Pahang have depth in their squad and I am sure they have adequate back-up to start against us tomorrow (tonight),” he added.
He too commented that Pahang were a team who prefers to play through the flanks and the Crocs should know what to do by now when they take on the Elephants.
Being hot favourites to win the clash, Pahang is hungry for a showdown with either Kelantan or ATM in the final while Sarawak is looking to continue with their winning ways which may pay huge dividends.
Ronny Harun is doubtful starter in the defence tonight but Alberts might play him depending on the fitness level but multi talented Guy Bwele, who could play as a defender, can resume the post if the need arises.
Shahrol Saperi, Junior Eldstal on the other hand is expected to fill in the midfield slots as Zamri Morshidi partners Ashri Chuchu on the flanks while Ashri may finally get his chance to play a full shift tonight as he replaces Joseph Kalang Tie who is out serving his match suspension.
Elsewhere in the team, sensational Bosnian Muamer Salibasic will start in the attacks with his strike partner Bobby Gonzales while the Sani Anuar Kamsani continues to his duties between the posts Sarawak.
Meanwhile, over 200 football fans from all over the state had travelled to the Peninsular for the match in Kuantan tonight and their trip was specially arranged collectively by through ‘Sarawak Football’ Facebook page and the Ultras group GB13.
According to one of the fans, Jackson Gikian, 25, he had previously travelled to Singapore, Johor and Sime Darby in order to watch and support the Crocs in their away matches.
According to him, the away day culture had gained much popularity among the Crocs’ supporters now were willing to fork out good money to attend away matches.
He added that the Crocs’s fine running this season had encouraged their supporters to travel together for the away matches.
For Garry Danny Lawrence, 31, the atmosphere of watching the Crocs battling at the opponents’ ground are very different compared to watching at home ground.
“You will be facing thousands of supporters from the other side and provocations you get normal,” said Garry who has been following GB13 for several away matches.
According to him, another interesting fact about attending away matches is the opportunity to meet fellow Sarawakian supporters residing in the Peninsular and the feeling had always been great because it showed that they shared the common bonding.
‘Sarawak Football’ page representative, Ahmad Fikri Nasuha had disclosed that at least five buses were booked to bring the Crocs supporters to Kuantan from Kuala Lumpur and back.