Practice makes perfect: Ramon Machado in action during a training session. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Sabah is known as the “Land Below the Wind”, but one Brazilian has found the wind beneath his wings in the Borneo state.
When Ramon Machado first arrived in Kota Kinabalu as the Rhinos’ mid-season signing in July 2023, there were doubts over his quality and ability to deliver as he was an unknown name in Asian football, having only played his club football in Brazil and Azerbaijan.
But he put all that to rest with a swashbuckling performance in his first match when he scored two goals in his debut Super League game, helping Sabah beat Kuching City 4-3 in a thriller.
Since then, Machado, who turns 33 today, has scored 12 goals and provided three assists in all domestic competitions. He now looks forward to his first full season in Malaysia.
The player, who joined Sabah from Azerbaijani club Gabala in the second transfer window last year, hopes he can make bigger contributions to the team.
“The pre-season training has looked good as the boys are gearing themselves up for the new season starting in May,” said Machado, who has played for Brazilian clubs like Juventude, Ituano, Ponte Preta and Botafogo.
“The club have not made many changes in terms of team set-up and most of the key men are still with the club. The core is there, so the chemistry is intact.
“I believe we can perform even better this coming season because everybody knows each other well.”
Machado also aims to improve his attacking partnership with Darren Lok, who scored seven goals and provided two assists in all competitions last year.
Both players are noted for their high work rate, where they always defend from the front with their superb pressing and interception.
“It is great to play with Darren because we know when to press and attack. I believe both of us did a good job last season and hope to be even better this year.
“Not just Darren but Sabah have other top players too. Take Saddil (Ramdani) for example, he played lots of great games too and we are scoring goals because of him, thanks to his numerous assists.”
