by Matthew T. Umpang, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on January 26, 2012, Thursday
ATTENTION PLEASE: Sarawak coach Robert Alberts (centre) talks to his players during a training session at the State Stadium.
KUCHING: Sarawak is ready to face highly rated Negeri Sembilan at the State Stadium this coming Saturday with the Crocs ready to snap on the Deers after holding Selangor to a scoreless draw in their last outing.
“We expect Negeri Sembilan to play a different style of play compared to Selangor. Negeri Sembilan is a team who likes to play long balls. They are not great fans of modern style of football play,” commented Sarawak coach Robert Alberts to The Borneo Post yesterday.
He also pointed out that the Deers are a newly revamped team and possess a good blend of youth and experience in their squad.
“Negeri Sembilan we face this Saturday is not the same team last season. Nearly all their key players left for big money offers from Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM). They are a team yet to be tested by us,” said the Dutchman on Sarawak’s next opponent.
Negeri Sembilan have a proven striker in the form of Cameroonian Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona who has scored a couple of goals in the Charity Shield and Super League matches. Sarawak should be wary of his goal poaching skills.
The visitors are likely without influential flanker S Kunanlan who got red-carded when they faced Felda United last Saturday.
“We will have to be cautious of the way they play and workout a game plan for this Saturday,” informed Alberts.
Good news for Crocs’ fans is that versatile player Guy Bwelle is now match fit and will get a starting place for the Negeri Sembilan encounter.
First choice keeper Saiful Amar Sudar is still doubtful but Alberts believed that Sani Annuar Kamsani will be an adequate cover in between the two posts during his absence.
Saiful had to be replaced during Sarawak’s previous match on the first half due to injury.
Alberts also singled-out Negeri Sembilan’s Shukor Adan and Norhafiz Zamani Misbah as the players that have the potential to cause some problems for the Crocs. However, Alberts has no big worries as he has faith in his boys and that the Crocs got what it takes to have deer’s meat for supper this Saturday.
Should Sarawak field Kalle Sone, it will be an exciting battle among two Cameroonian strikers from opposing sides which will certainly add to the intrigue of the match.
Croc’s fans are urged to come in full force to support the team this Saturday.
Sarawak needs you!
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