Monday, March 30, 2026
Sabah Eye Second Cup Final
Over the years a number of Malaysian sides have fallen under the radar of this here blog. Partly cos my limited attention tends to focus on the 'bigger' clubs, or those with the supremely daft names. That doesn't mean I'm not unaware of other clubs, especially when they attract the headlines or overachieve.
But Sabah. Sabah haven't just fallen off the radar, they're in the bottom of a rarely opened draw tucked away in a dusty wardrobe at the back of the shed.
And yet, by their standards, these are heady days for the Rhinos. Three consecutive 3rd place finishes in the Super League shows a consistency they have never previously shown in the top flight. As if that hasn't been enough to set the pulses racing in Kota Kinabalu, this season has seen the team reach not one but two finals.
Back in December they reached the FA Cup Final only to lose to Johor Darul Ta'zim 5-0. But there still remains a second chance of lifting some silverware next month when they face Penang in the MFL Challenge Cup over two legs
The irony is this season's cup runs have come at a time when their consistency in the league has taken a hit. As things stand, Sabah sit 10th in the 13 team Super League, grateful perhaps there seems to be no relegation this season - perhaps in part due to a second tier rammed with reserve sides and other nonsense!
Oh, and for good measure, Sabah who have a long history of appointing Australian coaches including Ron Smith started the current campaign with Jean-Paul de Marigny, once of APIA Leichhardt when I was living there
So yes, for those in the ABJDT (Anyone But Johor Darul Ta'zim) camp, the MFL Challenge Cup Final could be worth keeping an eye on!
# posted by Me @ 7:31 PM 
