KUCHING: Coach Farhan Abdullah is hoping his young team will make good use of the home ground advantage to collect full points against Penang in their second Premier League match on Saturday.
The match will kick off at 4.30pm at the State Stadium in Petra Jaya, here.
The Crocs lost their first match 1-2 to Negeri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi last Saturday.
Farhan said he is also looking forward to their new signing, Brazilian striker Hudson Dias De Jesus for the goals against Penang.
Hudson who played in the Portugal League is already here but Farhan is still uncertain if he can field him as Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) is still waiting for his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) from his former club in Portugal and approval from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysia Football League (MFL).
“Hopefully, Hudson will get his ITC and approval from the relevant authorities in time to allow him to be fielded on Saturday’s match,” said Farhan to TribuneSport here yesterday.
Farhan hoped his team can win their first home match in order to boost the team and the players’ spirit.
“A victory will also bring back the supporters to the stadium,” he said and urged the team supporters to come in full force to cheer the team and give them the moral support.
According to Farhan, the team’s confidence level was high when they played against Negeri Sembilan last Saturday and he hoped it will improve against Penang.
Farhan was also happy with the performance of his foreign player Pedro Henrique who scored a goal. Two other import players, Ronald Hikspoirs and Rian Firmanshah did not play due to injuries.
“I am also looking forward to Sabahan Bobby Gonzales to deliver goals for the team, which I am sure he can,” he added.
However, Farhan said he did not want to put pressure on the players, adding that what is important is for the players to focus on the game and show their high level of confidence.
“They need to show that they are as good as any other players in the league although they are young and inexperienced side,” added Farhan.
Only four of the local players are seasoned players while the rest are new faces in the team, including two from Labuan.
Meanwhile, Penang also lost their first match 2-3 to Terengganu FC II.
