Premier League champions Sarawak FA have been rather humble over their chances in the Malaysia Cup, but that does not mean that they are not a threat. Being the only Borneo side featuring in the Malaysia Cup this season, the hopes and dreams of East Malaysia wrest on the team which has four Sabahans in it. Robert Alberts, the man orchestrating the show for Sarawak has called for the team to do the double this year, and he has every reason for throwing the challenge towards his team which stayed undefeated during their Premier League campaign.
TACTICS
The versatility of Sarawak has allowed the team to change formation in almost every game with the 4-5-1 formation being the most used. The flanks of Sarawak loves cutting in from left and right with Sarawak’s midfield pushing the ball forward. At set pieces, the Crocs tend to do short passes, although Guy Bwele would be tempted to do a direct free kick when presented the opportunity. Roberts largely uses the midfield of Sarawak to absorb attacks with his towering midfielders, but the midfield goes into ‘over gear’ when on attack mode. It is seen that the spirited Sarawak side does not give up easily, and tends to defend deep and secure possession in games.
ATTACK
Top local scorer Bobby Gonzales has scored the bulk of Sarawak’s goal this season and he looks set to continue his run with the support of Muamer Salibasic who plays behind him. Bobby is not one of the greatest dribblers, but his ability to finish off chances given to him has made him one of the most prolific local strikers in the Malaysia. Despite playing with a lone striker, Sarawak does tend to come forward with force causing their opponents to be disarrayed, particularly when implementing zonal marking.
MIDFIELD
The midfield is Sarawak’s biggest strength with Roberts having selection problems most of the time. The vast number of talented and hardworking players has given the coach plenty of options in this department, while having the ability to rotate his players accordingly. Nippy Zamri Morshidi has been outstanding since his return to Stadium Negeri with his fast paced running and accurate crosses in the box. Hard working Joseph Kallang has also proven his worth to the team as this influential winger gives the Crocs attacking and tactical options when needed through his fast runs. Both Zamri and Joseph complement each other with both players able to take swap position whenever needed. Recent scouting at Stadium Sarawak also reveal that Joseph Kallang has perfected his ‘in-swinger’ corner kick skill, making him able to directly score goals from corner kicks. Two foreign imports, Muamer Salibasic and Guy Bwele also adds plenty of depth in the team with Muamer acting as an attacking midfielder, and Guy Bwele taking the function of a ball winning midfielder. When needed, Guy has the ability to curl in beautiful goals from free kicks. The place for the defensive midfielder role used to be owned by Sharol Saperi, but the Junior Eldstal has recently challenged Sharol for the spot. Junior’s one touch football and accurate passing gives the team better control of the engine room, while Sharol’s superb ability to orchestrate a counter attack, gives the team one of the best midfield in the Malaysian league.
DEFENSE
Ronny Harun and Hairol Mokhtar looks certain to start as a center backs for Sarawak in the Malaysia Cup with both teams proving to be very difficult to get past. Ramesh Lai and Mafry Ballang is expected to continue keeping their positions to cover both the left and right of the defense which has leaked the least goal in the Premier League. Goalkeeper Sani Anuar has very consistent for the Crocs with number one goalkeeper having the ability to assist attacks with his powerful goal kicks. Overlapping runs are not key in Sarawak’s game play, as the defenders tend to stick to their position to absorb fast counter attacks. Attacking through the middle will be difficult for most teams as Hairol Mokhtar and Ronny are able to clear off most attacks coming their way. Based on our observation, Sarawak’s backline is rock solid, with penetration only able when there is a lapse in concentration.
OUR VERDICT
The versatility of Sarawak makes them a hard nut to crack. The team is hardworking and can come up with some beautiful football if given too much room. Despite having Bobby as the main goal getter, Sarawak has a good pool of players, whom are also midfielders also scoring. Such fact make them a very dangerous side to play against. The team is highly discipline and has huge tendency to shift tactics and swap positions while playing. With that said, Sarawak will definitely be among the last eight, with progress to the last four looking very good.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bobby Gonzales, Joseph Kallang Tie, Muamer Salibasic, Ronny Harun, Sharol Saperi
