Sarawak players warming up before a training session.
Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim
KUCHING: Sarawak striker Syahrul Azwari Ibrahim will still not see any action in the Super League tonight when the Crocs take on the Red Warriors (Kelantan) in an away match at Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu.
This was confirmed yesterday by Sarawak head coach Datuk K Rajagobal who did not explain why the young striker from Kelantan will not fielded against his home state.
“We still cannot play Syahrul in the tie against Kelantan. However, I am quite relieved that four key players are available to play tomorrow night after sustaining injuries in the FA Cup match against Perak last week,” he said.
The quartet are Gilmar Jose Da Silva Filho, J Partiban, Davide Grassi and Shahril Saa’ri.
The former national coach was happy to note that the presence of the quartet has boosted the hunt for its first win after two consecutive defeats to Police and Felda United.
Although the Crocs are playing in the Red Warriors’ den tonight, Rajagobal is confident his boys can spring a surprise.
“Both teams have equal chances and I am quite optimistic we have the opportunity to register a win. The players need to be more focused on every advantage to score,” he said.
Rajagobal, wary of the highly rated Kelantan, said there is little room for the Crocs to commit errors and who needed to be more aggressive in the goal hunt.
The coach was also confident that the two import strikers Gilmar and Makeche will end their goal drought soon.
“It’s quite normal if the import players fail to find the net in one or two matches as they haven’t found their rhythm.
“But I am quite optimistic that the duo will return to their best form and score. They know what to do for the squad,” said Rajagobal.