Sabah FC still shaping squad for M-League
KOTA KINABALU (July 14): Sabah FC are still in the team-building phase as they continue to make preparation for the upcoming Malaysian League, which is scheduled for early August kick-off.
Head coach Alto Linus made the remark after the Rhinos suffered a 8-2 pre-season defeat to Thailand's top-ranked side Buriram United FC in Pattani yesterday.
Stuart Wilkin and substitute Azhad Harraz were on the scoresheet for the Rhinos.
While the scoreline was disappointing, Alto however preferred to look at the positive side of things, saying playing against one of the most successful clubs in South East Asia was a good learning experience for the Rhinos.
'The match was very useful in assessing the team's readiness.
'We faced one of the best clubs in South East Asia and it exposed several weaknesses that need to be addressed immediately, especially in terms of defense and game transitions,' he said in a statement issued by the Club today.
Commenting further, Alto said the team which started pre-season training less than one month ago and with only one match played prior to Sunday's game, still need to work on their fitness.
'I believe we need another three to four friendly matches before we are truly ready for league,' he added.
Meanwhile, Alto praised the performance of the young players recently promoted from the under-23 squad, saying they have shown progress in terms of maturity and commitment when given the chance to play alongside senior players.
In addition, new foreign recruits Dean Pelekanos, Dane Ingham and Ajdin Mujagic also featured in the match and progressing well.
'I'm pleased with their current performances and they can only be even better.
'I hope their fitness levels and chemistry with the team will improve much before the league begins,' he added.
Alto also expected the team would be even formidable especially at the back when key players Dominic Tan and Gabriel Peres, both central defenders, returned to full fitness.
Sabah FC, who finished third in the Super League last season, will open the new campaign against Melaka FC at the Likas Stadium on August 10.
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