Latest news with #Rhinos
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Sabah FC still shaping squad for M-League
Sabah FC forward Darren Lok (right) keeps the pressure on a Buriram United FC player. – Photo from Sabah FC Facebook 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.
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Sabah FC preps for M-League with new signings and friendlies
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC remains in the team-building stage as they prepare for the upcoming Malaysia League season, set to begin in August. Head coach Alto Linus stated that the Rhinos will play additional friendly matches to fine-tune their squad before the competition starts. 'We need another three to four friendlies to ensure the team is fully prepared,' Alto said in a statement. He also expressed confidence in the performance of new foreign signings Dean Pelekanos, Dane Ingham, and Adjin Mujagic, who have shown promise in pre-season matches. Despite a heavy 8-2 loss to Thailand's Buriram United in a recent friendly, Alto highlighted the positive contributions of young players promoted from the Under-23 squad. He also confirmed that defenders Dominic and Gabriel are recovering well from injuries and should return to full fitness within a week, bolstering the team's defensive options. - Bernama
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Sabah FC to Play More Friendlies Ahead of League Kick-Off
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC are still in the team-building phase ahead of the Malaysia League kick-off scheduled for this August, according to head coach Alto Linus. As such, the Rhinos will continue to play several more friendly matches in the final weeks of pre-season to ensure all players are fully prepared for the 2025–2026 Malaysia League campaign. 'I believe we need another three to four friendly matches before we're truly ready for the league competition,' he said in a statement today. Commenting on the three new imports – Dean Pelekanos, Dane Ingham and Adjin Mujagic – who joined the team this season, Alto expressed satisfaction with their current performance, particularly in pre-season friendlies. Despite an 8-2 defeat in a friendly match against Buriram United in Pattani, Thailand, yesterday, Alto praised the performance of several young players recently promoted from the Under-23 squad. He said two key defenders, Dominic and Gabriel, are expected to make a full recovery from injury within a week, which will further strengthen the team's backline- BERNAMA
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Sabah FC still shaping squad for M-League
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah FC are still in the team-building phase ahead of the Malaysia League kick-off scheduled for this August, according to head coach Alto Linus. As such, the Rhinos will continue to play several more friendly matches in the final weeks of pre-season to ensure all players are fully prepared for the 2025–2026 Malaysia League campaign. 'I believe we need another three to four friendly matches before we're truly ready for the league competition,' he said in a statement today. Commenting on the three new imports – Dean Pelekanos, Dane Ingham and Adjin Mujagic – who joined the team this season, Alto expressed satisfaction with their current performance, particularly in pre-season friendlies. Despite an 8-2 defeat in a friendly match against Buriram United in Pattani, Thailand, yesterday, Alto praised the performance of several young players recently promoted from the Under-23 squad. He said two key defenders, Dominic and Gabriel, are expected to make a full recovery from injury within a week, which will further strengthen the team's backline- BERNAMA
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Sabah FC Still Shaping Squad For M-League
KOTA KINABALU, July 14 (Bernama) -- Sabah FC are still in the team-building phase ahead of the Malaysia League kick-off scheduled for this August, according to head coach Alto Linus. As such, the Rhinos will continue to play several more friendly matches in the final weeks of pre-season to ensure all players are fully prepared for the 2025–2026 Malaysia League campaign. 'I believe we need another three to four friendly matches before we're truly ready for the league competition,' he said in a statement today.
