Ready to step in: S. Kumaahran is set to replace the injured Saddil Ramdani on the right flank for Sabah. — Sabah FC
PETALING JAYA: Sabah’s hopes of stifling giants Johor Darul Ta’zim in the Super League have suffered a blow with the absence of two stars – Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani and striker Darren Lok.
Both players will miss the game at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu today due to injuries but coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee believes he has capable replacements.
S. Kumaahran will replace Saddil on the right wing, while in Darren’s spot, he has two to choose from – Azhad Harraz Harun or Jafri Firdaus Chew.
Saddil is a key man for Sabah thanks to his dribbling, crosses and set-piece abilities but Kumaahran is effective in that role on the right flank too, as he showed when he starred for sides like Penang, Melaka and Petaling Jaya City.
“Every training session, we are working really hard because we know the side we are facing are not easy to take on. So commitment and determination have been demanded in every single session,” said the 28-year-old.
“We know the impact Saddil has made on the pitch for Sabah, but I know I can do my best in the right wing. I have to attack well and also defend when it is needed.
“The coach did say that when taking on JDT, you have to be focused every minute. That will be our mindset.”
It is Sabah’s strikeforce that will be hurting most in the absence of Darren as they have already lost Ramon Machado.
The Brazilian striker left the club on July 7 due to personal reasons after playing for a year with the Rhinos.
“I would be lying if I said his departure has not had an impact. Ramon is a natural striker who causes problems for any opponents.
‘‘He helped us a lot but it is time for the other players to step up,” said Kumaahran.
Sabah are currently fourth in the league with seven points from three matches.
Meanwhile, JDT’s playmaker Romel Morales is a picture of happiness as he is beginning to assert himself in the richly-assembled JDT squad.
The naturalised Colombian did not play the first two games of the season but had a part in the 2-0 defeat of Pahang in the Super League last month.
In the FA Cup, the 26-year-old played three games and scored four times, underscoring his worth to the team as they look to retain all the titles they won last year.
“I feel like I am in a family. From the first minute I joined this club, I did not feel out of place at all,” said the former Kuala Lumpur player.
JDT, led by Hector Bidoglio, will surely hope that Morales comes good against Sabah to keep them atop the Super League. They now lead with a maximum 12 points from four games.
