Sarawak will be hoping for an inspirational force such as the legendary “Ngap Sayot” battle cry to raise the spirits of the East Malaysian side ahead of their tough Malaysia Cup campaign next month.
Head coach Robert Alberts said his boys have a Herculean task ahead and would have to come up with a spirited kind of performance if they are to advance into the knock-out round.
Sarawak, who have won promotion from the Premier League this season, have been drawn in Group C with three Super League sides – defending champions Kelantan, Johor FC and Felda United FC.
“It is a difficult draw for Sarawak and we are definitely not in the same level with the Super League teams. In one corner we have Kelantan – the best team in the country. They are the Super League champions and the other team is one of the pioneer club sides – Johor FC.
Felda United have experienced players in their side. It is not possible for us to be head and shoulders above the three Super League sides.
Lethal weapon: Former international Bobby Gonzales (right) is Sarawak’s leading goal scorer with 15 goals in the Premier League. “Yes, we are short of quality hands and with only three experienced players in the team, it is difficult to raise a serious challenge. But there is always the element of surprise and Sarawak have proven it before during the “Ngap Sayot” era in the 80s when they upstaged the big teams with their home bred talents.
“It is not impossible but one or two unexpected results at home could do the trick for us just like the good old days of the “Ngap Sayot” era,” said Alberts.
The “Ngap Sayot” slogan was inspired by the team’s former coach, Awang Mahyan Awang Mohamad during the height of their play between 1988 to 1990. During that era, the team were purely Sarawakians.
There were no foreign imports in their team. Then, Sarawak were a feared force when playing at home backed by a capacity crowd. In 1988, Sarawak, against all odds, qualified for their first ever semi-finals in the Malaysia Cup competition.
Alberts is hoping for the fans’ support to raise the spirit of the players and at the same time help him look for the players who will form the core of this team for the Super League next season.
“It is a fantastic opportunity to see the players who will fit into my plans in the top flight next season.
“Of course, we have to strengthen the side by bringing in at least four to five quality hands,” said Alberts.
Former international Bobby Gonzales is their leading goal-getter with 15 goals in the Premier League while Zamri Morshidi is also a good finisher with 11 goals. The other seasoned hands in the youthful Sarawak side are former Negri Sembilan player Wong Sai Kong and Azralan Azmi.
Sarawak open their campaign against Kelantan at the Sarawak Stadium in Kuching on Sept 6.
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