Crocs to battle Rhinos in Saturday’s Borneo derby
KUCHING: A bigger turnout of fans is expected to flood the State Stadium this Saturday afternoon to watch the Borneo derby, the second home match of the Premier League here this season.
Captain Bobby Gonzales (Bobby) will lead his fledgling young Crocs for a tough home game against Sabah FA nicknamed the Rhinoceros.
Local fans have been greatly encouraged by the fresh games displayed by the young Crocs in their first home match against Penang on February 9.
Bobby, who is also the most capped player in the team is coming into form, having scored in his last two games this season and is proving to be the right choice to lead the young squad.
The hardworking and speedy striker, who is likely to start the match, will need the time and exposure to further gel in with the team and perhaps with the home ground advantage, the home crowd can finally see a Hudson goal or two on Saturday.
Coach Anai, (Mohd Farhan Abdullah @ Anai Igang) the Sarawak head-coach disclosed yesterday that 90 percent of his squad are fit for the game although some of his players are nursing minor injuries.
With some injured players doubtful for the match, nevertheless the team will see some new faces to start the game but coach Anai was coy about the first team preferring to keep that line up close to his chest till Saturday.
“I can’t disclose the details yet because we have to be sure who are fit to play and we also don’t want to let our tactics out too soon because once we reveal the line-up, anyone can make an educated guess on our general tactics,” said Anai.
A few new players who have captivated local fans here are the duo at the heart of Sarawak defence, Pedro Henrique Dias De Amorim or Pedro and Gibson Billy, who are certain to thrill the fans with their prowess.
Pedro and Gibson have formed a formidable defensive partnership in the back four and they are hard as nails in the centre with Pedro guiding the 19-year-old Gibson, who hails from Sebuyau.
On the other hand, Sabah have just come out of a stunning 3-1 victory against T-Team and are gunning for full three points as they count on their experience, having a squad who have been together for a few seasons.
While Sarawak are made entirely of new players gathered during the pre-season, Sabah can boast that 70 percent of their team are experienced players.
Sabah have been in and out of the Super League and last season they were losing semi-finalists to Perak in the prestigious Malaysia Cup tournament.
Both teams are chasing qualifications to the more lucrative Super League come next season so this Saturday’s game will be a contentious one, to say the least – and a match not to be missed by local fans here.
The game will start at 4.15pm and fans can get tickets at the stadium and the many regular outlets in the city on match day.
