Kuching Gedong-Gators
Miri LBR
KUCHING: Champions of the north Miri LBR will play against Kuching-Gedong Gators in the Liga Bolasepak Rakyat (LBR) 2017/2018 Sarawak Zone playoff today at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya at 4pm.
Miri head coach Mohd Hakimi Man said they are ready for the match.
“This match will test the real character of Miri LBR. In terms of strengths and advantages, both teams are balanced but Kuching-Gedong Gators definitely have the upper hand of playing at home turf.
“Nonetheless for me, playing away somehow has motivated us where we have won both matches against Mukah and Bintulu previously,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Mohd Hakimi said what is important now is their physical and mental strength.
“If the players can handle the pressure, they can boost their confidence and execute the game strategy as planned without fail,” he added.
He said in terms of players’ selection, the starting lineup would be different from the previous matches.
“Currently all players are free from any injuries and they’ve train well, and this has given me options to plan for the match,” he said.
Miri have a potent front, netting 14 goals from four previous matches but according to Mohd Hakimi, the homesters would be a tough nut to crack with their immersive line of defence.
“Miri FA have never won in Kuching and this give additional motivation for Miri LBR to end the jinx,” he said.
Meanwhile, team spirit will be the ‘main weapon’ for Kuching Gedong-Gators, according to its manager Hamzah Ibrahim.
He admitted that Miri have the advantage as they have quality and experienced players in the lineup, but he was optimistic that his young sides are capable of creating upset against the visitors.
“We have high respect for Miri as they have quality players in the squad while most of our players are young and still learning.
“However, we have strength in team spirit and will to win matches,” he said.
“If the players managed to maintain their pace in the game, it would be possible for us to spring a surprise on Miri.”
He also said the match is 50-50, with the team that could capitalise on scoring chances would win.
He added that a draw would be enough for Kuching but a win would be a bonus.
“We will field our best lineup. All our key players are in best shape and the team are all fired-up for the match,” he said.