PETALING JAYA: Sabah defender Dominic Tan is ready to put sentiment aside as he gets ready to go up against his former employers, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), in today’s FA Cup final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Before joining Sabah, Dominic was with JDT from 2016 to 2019.
While he did not make many appearances for the first team, he gained valuable experience with the Southern Tigers, including a loan stint at Portuguese third-division club Vilaverdense.
As captain of Sabah, Dominic is ready to lead his team in ending the Rhinos’ 30-year wait for the FA Cup, even though he is well aware that JDT are the three-time defending champions.
For Dominic, Sabah have waited too long to reach the FA Cup final, and he knows that fans in Borneo are eager to see the team lift the trophy.
“They (JDT) have been in the final almost every year, dominant in the league for 10 years. But if we go out with the right mentality, courage, and embrace the occasion, I think in a Cup final anything is possible. So we will definitely give our best.
“I think we earned it to be in the final. It’s a good opportunity, and it will be a great occasion for us to go out there, enjoy the game, and show who we are.
“Of course, the occasion is significant, it’s a final, a Cup final.
“Everybody wants to play at this stage,” said Dominic.
Unlike JDT, who are grappling with an injury crisis, Sabah are fortunate to have all their players fit and free from suspension.
However, Sabah coach Jean-Paul de Marigny is not getting carried away by the latest news of his opponent’s long injury list.
He said he prefers to focus on preparing his own team rather than worrying about the state of the opposition.
“I prefer to focus on my team. This is what I’m in control of and I’m not in control of the opponents.
“My main objective is getting the players to execute the game plan with the right mentality and bravery,” said de Marigny.
The last time Sabah lifted the FA Cup was in 1995, when the Rhinos defeated Pahang 3-1 at Stadium Merdeka.
