Sarawak rely on striker to do well in Malaysia Cup

Sarawak's campaign in next month's Malaysia Cup will depend on Sabah-born Bobby Gonzales.

 

The striker's goal-scoring exploits helped Sarawak finish second in the Premier League to earn Super League promotion next season.

But the speedy 27-year-old, who got his name on the score-sheet 16 times this season, could be overawed against more experienced opponents in the Malaysia Cup.

Sarawak have been drawn in Group C with defending champions and Super League winners Kelantan, Johor FC and Felda United.

However, the three Super League sides may not find it easy against the free-scoring Sarawak side, who have netted 51 times this season.

Gonzales, a former national Under-19 player, is the team's top-scorer ahead of his strike-partner Zamri Morshidi with 11 goals.

Sarawak FA secretary Abdullah Julaihi said his team have more too gain than lose in the Malaysia Cup.

"We, no doubt, are the underdogs but our opponents should not take us lightly," said Abdullah yesterday."

"We have nothing to lose. We will not choke under pressure because we are not among the favourites."

On paper, Sarawak, coached by Robert Alberts, will be no match for Kelantan, who have several players in their squad, but they have an even chance, with Johor FC and Felda for the second spot.

The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

"We are in the midst of signing a defender and midfielder on loan from Armed Forces for the competition. I believe their inclusion will make us stronger," said Abdullah.

Sarawak's sole claim to fame in the Malaysia Cup was in 1999, where they reached their first ever final before going down 2-1 to Brunei.

MALAYSIA CUP FIXTURES: GROUP A -- Johor v Kedah, Sabah v PERAK; GROUP B -- Sime Darby v Terengganu, PKNS v Negri SEMBILAN; GROUP C -- SARAWAK v KELANTAN, FELDA UNITED v JOHOR FC; GROUP D -- POLICE v SELANGOR, KUALA LUMPUR v T- TEAM.