KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 – A 2-1 win over Kedah in a friendly match on Saturday has given Premier League’s Sarawak United FC a glimmer of hope for the new season and things are falling into place for head coach E. Elavarasan.
Elavarasan, however, is not crowing about the win but believes that it is a ”big boost for the confidence” of the players before the team’s opening match against Kelantan United FC on March 6.
“‘Kedah is a very strong side with experience and to beat the highly-rated Super League side is motivating for my players. It means if they can believe in themselves they can win matches,” said Elavarasan who is into his second season with Sarawak United.
At the same time, Elavarasan is aware that Kedah was a tired side after playing several friendly matches before facing Sarawak.
For the record, Kedah is preparing for their Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) on March 5. The result of the match at full time will also count towards the league points.
Sarawak’s goals were scored by Gopi Rizqi and Tommy Mawat. Elavarasan also tried out his new signing, goalkeeper Sarbinee Allawee. The 34-year-old former international played in the second half, taking over from Shaiful Wazizi.
“Both keepers gave a good account of themselves in the match,” said Elavarasan who also threw in Nigerian striker Uche Agba in the last 15 minutes of the game. Agba completed his quarantine on Friday.
”I am pleased with the team’s overall performance but we can improve further. The players were excited to play a big name like Kedah and this alone was an added motivation for them to perform.”
The match was played at the Sime Darby Stadium in Bukit Jelutong.
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