KUCHING: Sarawak new coach, Farhan Abdullah, 50, dared not put high hopes on the present team as the majority of the players are youngsters, aged between 19 and 21.
Personally, he believed that the 2019 squad would require a bit of time to develop as a formidable side.
Given the scenario, Farhan, who hails from Bintulu, said he would be taking a humble approach ahead of the first match of the 2019 Premier League against Negeri Sembilan at Stadium Paroi this Saturday (Feb 2).
“Finishing with a draw in our first appearance will be considered a good performance,” he told Sarawak Voice in an interview. “What’s certain is that we will be fighting the match as the underdogs,” he added.
Farhan said ‘Jang Squad’ is not just any other time but hot favourites to win this year’s Premier League.
On top of that, the team had a very experienced coach, in the person of Mat Zan Mat Aris, a former national team defender in the 90s.
He is being assisted by former Sarawak coach, Muhamad Zaki Sheikh Ahmad as assistant coach.
Mat Zan had also brought Melaka United to win the 2016 Perdana League.
Despite all odds and being the underdogs, Farhan said the team might pull a surprise.
Sarawak will be banking their hopes on senior striker Bobby Gonzales from Sabah and Muamer Salibasic from Bosnia to ‘wreak havoc’ at Paroi Stadium.
The tag team of Bobby and Muamer had witnessed Sarawak winning the 2013 Perdana League.
Then, Sarawak were guided by imported Dutch coach, Robert Alberts, who is also the former technical director of Malaysian Football Association (FAM).
Farhan said Sarawak young team of players require the senior players to boost their morale.
For the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), 2019 is a very important season, least of all to bring a transformation to the side which have failed to gain any honours since 2014.
