Zamri and Kalang celebrate after winning the Super League match against Sime Darby at the Stadium Negeri in this Jan 28 file photo.
File photo of Janjus (centre) playing for Sarawak against Sime Darby at the Stadium Negeri. He will only find out today if he can start tonight against PKNS as he is still nursing an injury.
Robert Alberts
Kalang, Zamri, Janjus doubtful starters in tonight’s match against PKNS
KUCHING: Sarawak take on PKNS FC in an away match tonight in the Super League on the heels of a three-match winning streak.
However, their task is complicated by three first team players Joseph Kalang Tie, Zamri Morshidi and Milorad Janjus carrying injuries and first choice keeper Sani Anuar Kamsani serving a two-match suspension for being red-carded against Selangor in the FA Cup away win.
The three out-field players would undergo a last minute fitness test today to find out if they could play while Sani’s suspension paves the way for new goalkeeper Mohd Fadzley Rahim to make his debut for the Crocs in the Super League.
On Wednesday coach Robert Alberts praised the character of his boys saying the team is starting to gel as a unit.
“They are starting to have this self-belief that we got what it
takes to face any opponent and the win against Selangor was a great feel good factor, although we all know that matches in the Super League won’t be easy,” he said.
He not too concerned over the loss of first choice keeper Sani as he believed Fadzley was an able replacement.
“Fadzley was impressive when he came in for Sani the match against Selangor and I hope he continues his good display against PKNS.”
Alberts is also confident the Crocs could cope with the possible absence of the injured players.
“Despite the injuries to some of our players, we have proven it during the last match that we can grind out the result and that is important.”
After their initial wobble in the Super League in which they lost their first two matches 2-0 away to ATM and 1-0 at home to Kelantan, the Crocs bounced back with two FA Cup victories over Penang at home and Selangor away and a comfortable 3-0 home win over Sime Darby in the Super League.
However, it is early days in the league and the jury is still out on whether they could live among the big boys but a victory tonight would go a long way in convincing the doubters.
PKNS and Sarawak last met on July 2012 at the Stadium Negeri in the second tier Premier League match that ended in a scoreless draw.
In the last five encounters between the two teams, the teams were evenly-matched with Sarawak and PKNS both winning two matches and drawing once.
Reminding the Crocs not to under estimate PKNS, Alberts said they were a good side with quality players and were capable of beating any opponent in the Super League, especially when they play at home.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.45pm.
PKNS play their home matches at their temporary home at the Selayang Stadium as their home the Shah Alam Stadium is currently undergoing renovation.
(Kick off at 8.45pm unless stated)
Friday, Feb 7
Selangor PKNS vs SARAWAK
Pahang vs JDT
Saturday, Feb 8
Lions XII vs Terengganu – 7.45pm
Perak vs Kelantan
T-Team vs ATM
Sime Darby vs Selangor