PETALING JAYA: Sabah will need some inspiration in the midfield through Telmo Castanheira to get a good result against a stubborn Negri Sembilan.
Negri are known for their tactical organisation and robust midfielders in the form of Hasbullah Abu Bakar and R. Barath Kumar but the Rhinos will depend on their Portuguese star to find a way through the steely Deer at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu today.
Currently fourth in the league with 39 points from 21 matches, Sabah will have to ensure they get maximum points in the next five games to stay in the top four.
Castanheira has played 15 league matches for Sabah, scoring four goals and providing three assists.
The 31-year-old Castanheira hopes to lift his side to a win over Negri.
“We want to continue our good form at home. Negri are tough opponents but we have done the necessary preparation for the game,” he said.
“They have given us a hard time before. In fact, we have lost to them in Paroi. So we have to be at our best to get the three points.
“The fight for the top spots will go down to the wire in the last few games and we have to stay consistent to maintain a spot in the top four.
“It’s been a competitive season with quality teams. I believe we’ll finish in the best way and achieve our goals.”
Despite injury issues in the past, Castanheira is glad that he has settled down with the team.
“It was a year of adapting as the league here is totally different from that in Europe. Despite a minor injury that took me out of a few games, it’s been going well and I’m working towards a good end to the season,” he said.
