Expectations run high for Crocs

by Simon Ingka Crown 

TheBorneoPost

S’wak sweat on Fadly, Shahrol fitness ahead of MP Muar clash

KUCHING: Sarawak skipper Mohd Fadly Kassim and winger Mohd Shahrol Saperi are still doubtful for the away Premier League match against clubside Johor MP Muar today.

Coach Mohd Zaki Sheikh Ahmad said both players may not regain their fitness in time to make the final eleven after picking up injuries in the recent FA Cup ties against Penang. 

Shahrol received a knock in the first leg at Batu Kawan, Penang, while Fadly was forced to retire with shoulder pain in the second leg at home.

“They will be travelling with the team to Johor but I’m still undecided whether or not to field them. 

Both are continuing their training and I hope to have good news regarding their fitness before the game,” the coach said yesterday. 

Zaki Laments Players ‘Bad Habits’

By Martin Yee, Easterntimes

KUCHING: Coach Zaki Sheikh Ahmad is not happy with the Sarawak players repeating their “bad habits” which cost them to pay heavily as they had yet to win after four matches including the last away match to Harimau Muda where they lost 0-1.

The main problem with the team is that they lost patience and discipline by making mistakes which cost them and the team dearly.

The red card awarded to centreback Fadley Kassim with only five minutes remaining in the game was a case in point as the team will lose the key defender for the next two matches due to automatic suspension.

“The players are not patient. They easily lose their concentration and focus even if there are a few minutes left in the game and they should be more patient to hold on to the game.

“Though their weaknesses is failure to convert the chances, they have to keep on trying and play hard. The goals will come if they keep on doing their best,” said Zaki.

Hartlepool stint for Sarawak trio

New Straits Times, Oct 22, 2008 | by Nancy Nais

THREE Sarawak players have been selected to undergo a two-month training stint with the English Division One football club Hartlepool.

State Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, Datuk Seri Willam Mawan Ikom said the trio - Mohd Shahrol Shaperi, 24, Joseph Kalang Tie, 21, and Zamri Morshidi, 25 - will leave on Oct 28.

Proud of the players, Mawan said he hoped they will use this opportunity to improve, and on their return, impart their knowledge to other local players.

"More importantly, they can help to revive Sarawak's past glory in football," Mawan said at a press conference yesterday.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) technical director Robert Alberts is tipped to become Sarawak's new head coach.