PETALING JAYA: Sabah have been on a good run in the M-League, beating Kuching and Kelantan United besides fighting out a 0-0 draw with Penang, but coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee’s biggest fear has been the depth of his side.
His fears have now been eased.
His back-up players have shown him in Jakarta that they are ready to step in when the seniors are injured or suspended.
Despite losing to Selangor 2-3 on May 31, they bounced back to beat PSIS Semarang 2-1 on June 2 in the RCTI friendly tournament at the Jakarta International Stadium.
The former national coach was glad that his reserves were ready to step up any time.
“The tournament gave me a chance to test out players who have not played in the Super League so far and also some of the youngsters we have drafted to the first team,” said Kim Swee.
“It is going to be a long season for us, so we need to ensure that we have the depth. We can’t be relying on the same 11 for the whole new season.”
He has little to worry, really. Some of the players on his bench could walk into any first-team elsewhere.
Players like winger Jafri Firdaus Chew, wingback R. Dinesh, wingers S. Kumaahran and Farhan Roslan and midfielder Irfan Fazail are all capable of being first-eleven regulars anytime.
Kim Swee said keeping such players on the bench was not an issue as the players knew what was needed of them.
“They knew when they joined the team. I told them they would have to fight every day in training and show character on and off the field. They know how I do my selection.”
Kim Swee said even the youngsters are knocking on the door of the first team.
“In Jakarta, we played young players like Sahrizan (Saidin), Harith (Naem Janneh) and Hanafie (Tokyo). They did well but to get to the first team, they need time and more exposure.”
“Everyone understands their tasks. It is not about personal glory, it is about the team at the end of the day.”
Sabah are currently third in the league with seven points from three games.
