Why is Sabah FA succeeding this season?
May 22, 2019
It is exciting days for Sabah FA as the Liga Premier inches closer to the end of the season.
With eight matches yet to be played, Sabah look good to end their 23-year title drought by winning the Liga Premier this season.
Despite the scandals involving Sabah’s treatment of their loyal ultras, the Sabah team seems to be on a winning streak with the issue well tucked aside thanks to the good form on the field.
That said, here’s why we think Sabah is succeeding this season
One game in hand
Sabah is currently third in the Liga Premier with 24 points, two points behind the current league leader UiTM FC, and one point behind Johor Darul Ta’zim FC II which is second. However, what differentiates the three teams is the fact that Sabah has one game in hand, and they can easily jump to the top of the league with a win. Sabah’s current great form lately only excites fans even more as they are on a three-match winning steak with their attack and defenses being the second best in the league.
Coaching stability
Julius Ating has been the head coach for Sabah since 2017, and his role has not changed since his appointment despite the change in management. This gives the Sabah team much stability in terms of coaching of players, hence making it easy for Ating to identify how he can strengthen his team. The trust the management has showed by allowing Ating to select his players is also a contributing factor to Sabah’s growing stature in Malaysian football.
Management focus on field
Sabah’s management were very resilient when dealing with football supporter groups in Sabah. While some of the management’s actions may be questionable, the fact remains that the Sabah Football Association didn’t dwell too much on the issue and instead focused on improving and strengthening the team. Thanks to their focus, Sabah is now one of the most formidable teams in the league, despite the lack of support from their local ultras.
Also Read:
Why is JDT unstoppable in the Liga Malaysia
Why is John Hunter important to Sarawak football?
Rare moments when Sarawakians score for the Malaysian national football team
This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Cyril Dason.
